Context:

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare is hosting the 13th edition of the National Seed Congress (NSC) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, from November 28-30, 2024. 

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• The Event is being jointly organized by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) and the National Seed Research and Training Center (NSRTC). 
• The theme for this year is “Fostering Regional Cooperation, Partnership, and Knowledge Exchange in the Seed Sector”. 
• NSC 2024 will provide a platform for presenting experiences and insights on the research advances, innovations, and principles related to seed, crop improvement, and seed delivery systems.
• The Congress will focus on building sustainable, equitable, and resilient seed systems by addressing a diverse range of topics such as climate-resilient breeding, advancements in seed quality and technology, innovative seed delivery methods, etc.

About National Seed Congress

• NSC is an annual gathering of researchers, policymakers, farmers, and representatives from the private and public sectors to build a roadmap for a vibrant and equitable seed sector in India.
• The congress aims to foster regional cooperation, partnerships, and knowledge exchange, strengthening India's seed sector and addressing food security and agricultural resilience. 

About IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) 

Located within the premises of the National Seed Research and Training Centre (NSRTC), Varanasi, ISARC is IRRI's central hub for research partnerships in South Asia and Africa. 

The Centre was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 29 December 2018 and provides cutting-edge research and capacity development facilities to improve and boost the rice-based agri-food systems in the region.

• ISARC is the first research centre of IRRI to be established outside of its headquarters in the Philippines. 

Key Contributions: 

• Development of climate-resilient rice varieties like Sahbhagi Dhan and Swarna-Sub 1, which are crucial for adapting to changing climate conditions.
• Facilitating cross-border seed exchange through initiatives like Seeds Without Borders.
• Supporting genomic tools, digital platforms, and structured seed systems that promote faster varietal development and dissemination. 

About International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) 

• IRRI is an independent, nonprofit, research and educational institute, founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller Foundations with support from the Philippine government. 
• It is headquartered in Los Baños, Philippines, but has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa.
• Role in Global Agriculture: IRRI’s research on rice varieties, pest control, water-saving techniques, and climate-adaptive farming practices has been transformative for rice-growing regions, especially in Asia and Africa.
• India Partnership: IRRI collaborates with Indian institutions to boost rice productivity, improve seed quality, and strengthen seed systems to ensure food security and climate adaptation.