Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has asked officials of the International Rice Research Centre (IRRC), Philippines, to submit a report on the proposed production of quality paddy with low production cost.
An IRRC team comprising its Director General Matew Morell, representative of South Asia Nafees Meah, outcome-theme leader Arvind Kumar, scientist Vikas Kumar Singh, consultant Aldas Janaiah and senior associate Rubina Nishat, led by Minister for Agriculture Somiredddy Chandramohan Reddy, met Mr. Naidu on Friday.
Value addition
Pointing to the fact that Andhra Pradesh was the rice bowl of India and that the State had achieved the highest growth rate in agriculture and allied sectors, Mr. Naidu said he wanted to develop the State as the best agricultural hub.
He wanted them to present a report to set up an innovation centre in A.P. for value addition to the produce.
Mr. Morell expressed willingness to set up a satellite-based international innovation centre in A.P., saying a sub-centre was present in Varanasi.
Mr. Chandramohan Reddy briefed the Chief Minister about the infrastructure needed to set up the proposed innovation centre.
Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Damodar Naidu, Director of research N.V. Naidu, Commissioner of Agriculture Hari Jawaharlal were present.
