Varanasi: Member of the Central Administrative Tribunal and former secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, SK Pattnayak visited Varanasi-based South Asia Regional Center (SARC) of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) on Saturday.During his visit, he discussed issues like agricultural system of the country and the state, advanced smart agriculturetowards sustainable development, carbon emissions and climate change with the scientists of the centre.He also visited various high-tech laboratories and research services available at the centre. He was updated about the work being done by IRRI in the field of rice research and food security. SARC director Sudhanshu Singh apprised him of new innovative achievements being made by institute in the field of rice research like development of ultra-low glycemic index rice varieties, conservation of Kalanamak and other traditional rice varieties.The SARC is engaged in numerous activities related to food and nutrition security as well as achieving higher yields while reducing environmental footprint. The institute is also active in increasing the production of rice-based food systems, skill development programmes, development of rice-based value added products. Pattnayak also took information about products like biscuits, muesli, puffed rice, ice cream being prepared from black salt and other aromatic rice by the scientists in the laboratories working for value addition of rice located at centre. tnnWe also published the following articles recentlyPuffed rice, popcorn got mixed with soil: WorkersRam Prasad Narzary and Sanjay Basumatary, the two rescued workers from Assams Kokrajhar district, are determined to relaunch their struggle to make a living, casting aside their fight for life which continued for several days by consuming puffed rice and popcorn that would often get mixed with soil when sent through oxygen-carrying pipes inside the tunnel. Both workers are fit and free from any injury, and their family members are relieved. The workers showed immense patience and courage during their 17-day ordeal, and they were confident from the beginning that they would be rescued. The rescued workers are now being brought to Rishikesh for another round of health check-up in choppers.Chhattisgarh: Congress fails to rice to the occasionThe Congress government in Chhattisgarh hoped to gain support through its higher paddy procurement price and rural welfare schemes. However, the BJP set the narrative by promising to purchase every grain produced by farmers under MSP and offering to procure 1 quintal more than the Congress. The Baghel government fulfilled its promise by paying Rs 2,500 per quintal to over 24 lakh farmers and pledged Rs 3,200 per quintal in the current election. The Congress failed to recognize the changing tides in the paddy fields and the growing influence of the BJP.Climate change threatens Indias agricultural backbone, impacting food security and economyThe comprehensive analysis Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture in India by Climate Trends reveals the vulnerability of Indias agrarian sector to rising temperatures. The report projects a significant reduction in crop yields and a surge in food price inflation. It highlights the detrimental effects of climate change on Indias agriculture, including a decline in summer monsoon rainfall and agricultural losses attributed to greenhouse gases and pollution. The report also emphasizes the economic impact on food prices and the repercussions of extreme heat on food security. It underscores the urgent need for resilient agricultural practices in India.

Stay updated with all the Varanasi Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.