The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) hosted the Bengal Rice conclave today. Themed “Enhancing Production, Crop Protection & Smart Irrigation Practices,” the conclave brought together eminent policymakers, agricultural experts, and stakeholders to chart a progressive roadmap for the future of rice cultivation in the state.
Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, minister-in-charge, department of agriculture, was the chief guest, where Abhijit Maitra, special secretary, department of food supplies, Prof Swapan Dutta, former deputy director general (crops), ICAR, Jay Kumar Maroti, general secretary, Bengal Rice Mill Association, Manoj K Fogla, general secretary, West Bengal Rice Mills owner’s Association and Dr Rajeev Singh, director general, Indian Chamber of Commerce were present.
Mr Chattopadhyay highlighted the proactive role the state has played in championing agricultural reforms. “West Bengal ranks among the top in the country when it comes to agricultural innovation and farmer welfare. The government has launched several impactful schemes that benefit small and marginal farmers, covering everything from production and food supply to marketing,” he said.
He further spoke about the launch of the ‘Nona Swarno’—a salt-tolerant variety of rice, specially developed to support farmers in flood-prone coastal regions. The initiative, led by the chief minister, aims to mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture and utilize the huge range of land spread over the coastal region of the state.