The Sri Lanka Council of Agricultural Research Policy (SLCARP) conducted a two-day onsite monitoring program at the Rice Research and Development Institute (RRDI) in Bathalagoda on 29^th October and 1^st November 2024, as a part of the annual onsite research project monitoring programme of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) Institutes.

The project monitoring team evaluated the progress of the eight (08) research projects focused on rice breeding, agronomic practices, plant protection, and pathology aspects of rice cultivation.

Projects Monitored on Day 1 - October 29, 2024:

1. Donor Identification through Germplasm Screening and Molecular Studies for Dry Direct Seeding and Drought Tolerance in Rice

Principal Investigator: Dr. B.A.N.K. Balasooriya, Assistant Director of Agriculture (Research)

2. Application of Innovative Breeding Tools for Gall Midge Resistance in Rice

Principal Investigator: Ms. W.A.R. Dhammika, Assistant Director of Agriculture (Research)

3. Introgression of Nitrogen Use Efficiency Traits to Mega Rice Varieties for Efficient Nitrogen Fertilizer Use in Sri Lanka

Principal Investigator: Dr. K.G.P.B. Karunaratne, Assistant Director of Agriculture (Research)

 Projects Monitored on Day 2 - November 1, 2024:

4. Development of Eco-friendly Weed Management Practices in Rice Cultivation Using a Fallow Crop to Deplete the Weed Seed Bank

Principal Investigator: Dr. R.M.U.S. Bandara, Assistant Director of Agriculture (Research)

5. Study on Novel Morpho-physiological Characteristics to Enhance Yield Potential of Rice

Principal Investigator: Mr. L.C. Silva, Assistant Director of Agriculture (Research)

6. Assessment of Eco-friendly Management Packages for Brown Plant Hopper (Nilapavata lugens) and White-backed Plant Hopper (Sogatella furcifera) to Reduce Pesticide Use in Paddy Cultivation

Principal Investigator: Mr. S. R. Sarathchandra, Assistant Director of Agriculture (Research)

7. Study on False Smut Disease of Rice and Its Management Strategies in Sri Lanka

Principal Investigator: Ms. K.R.D. Gunapala, Assistant Director of Agriculture (Research)

8. Productivity Improvement of Rice Through Maximizing Potassium and Water Use Efficiency During Grain Filling Stage in Direct Seeded Rice

Principal Investigator: Ms. Jayani Nimanthika, Assistant Director of Agriculture (Research)

Monitoring team members:

The monitoring team on Day 1 included Prof. Nisha Kottearachchi, Senior Professor from the Department of Biotechnology at Wayamba University of Sri Lanka; Dr. Sumith Abeysiriwardana, Senior Consultant (R&D) from CIC Agribusinesses; Mr. Prabhath Wimal Kumara, Director of SLCARP; and Ms. Geethani Samarasinha, Senior Scientist from SLCARP.

On Day 2, the monitoring team consisted of Dr. Surantha Slagadoe from the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Gardening at Wayamba University of Sri Lanka; Dr. Mojith Ariyaratne from the Department of Crop Science at the University of Peradeniya; Dr. S.M.P.C. Padmini, Deputy Director, and Ms. Thilini Dinushka, Research Officer from SLCARP.

For More  Images :  https://www.slcarp.lk/photo_item.php?id=34&&lan=1