About Dr. Shaik N.Meera About Dr. Shaik N. Meera Dr. Shaik N Meera.pdf · About Dr. Shaik N.Meera 1...
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About Dr. Shaik N.Meera
1
About
Dr. Shaik N. Meera
1. Overview of research and extension contributions of Dr. Shaik N.Meera
Dr Shaik N Meera is a Senior Scientist (Agricultural Extension) with a cafeteria of skill sets and achievements in Agricultural Research & Development. He is one of the earliest extension scientists who contributed to the
development of ICT enabled extension in India.
As Consortium Principal Investigator, he is spearheading a flagship project on
“Development and Maintenance of Rice Knowledge Management Portal (RKMP)”. This is the first extension centric information portal in India, providing the most comprehensive
agricultural knowledge directly from the scientific community. Rice Knowledge Management
Portal was launched in the presence of Honorable Prime Minister of India on 16th July 2011.
As a Principal Investigator of DBT Sponsored project on “Improving the Livelihoods
of SC/ST Farmers through Rice Technology Interventions”, he is instrumental in uplifting 120
tribal farm families directly. Intensive extension efforts were tried in 12 tribal hamlets over a
period of 3 years to achieve this.
As National Coordinator of Frontline Demonstrations on Rice, in last 5 years, about
5322 FLDs of 1 hectare each have been conducted benefitting 13,755 rice farmers directly. About 2064 tonnes of seed of HYV, Hybrids is distributed to farmers through this
programme. An innovative attempt has been made to document all the demonstration efforts using the latest ICT tools and compiled as a database. This database is included in the rice
knowledge management portal (www.fld.rkmp.co.in) for effective use by the extension workers.
As Coordinator of training programmes, in last five years, totally 19 training programs on various aspects of rice production technologies were organized including IPM
in rice, Quality control on basmati rice, Marker assisted selection in rice, Hybrid rice
breeding, Hybrid rice production technology, System of Rice Intensification and Hybrid rice
seed production technology. In total 417 participants from state department of agriculture,
state agricultural universities, ICAR institutes and executives from public and private sectors were trained.
As a young scientist he carried out the research on various aspects of harnessing ICTs in agricultural development with special reference to the ICTs enabled agricultural extension.
His work on Applications of E-Learning in Agriculture: Designing an ODL Content Management System for Rice Technologies is perhaps the only empirical study conducted on
assessing the e-readiness parameters in extension systems.
As Principal Investigator of several extension research projects, involved in
developing and using innovative approaches for transfer of technology and extension education processes. Some of the innovations include
About Dr. Shaik N.Meera
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• use of Information and Communication Technologies for speedy transfer of
knowledge & technologies
• Harnessing Knowledge Management strategies for strengthening the information
flow in rice sector
• Village Level Studies on Climate change: Vulnerability, Adaptations and Sustainable
Livelihoods in Rice Farming
• Developing e-learning courses for online and offline delivery to extension officers
• Participatory varietal selection and Farmers’ First Approach
• Video and Audio files for transferring ‘do how’ technologies
• Capturing the innovative spirit of rice farmers by organizing ‘Innovative Rice
Farmers Meet’
As author of several research articles, books, extension bulletins and manuals,
contributed to enrichment of the extension discipline. His book “ICTs in Extension- Tactical to Practical” is recognized as Reference book by ICAR for the Discipline of Agricultural
Extension (M.Sc/ Ph.D syllabus).
As field researcher, he has done extensive surveys on “Critical Analysis of
Information Communication Technology in Agricultural Development” during the past
ten years. His Agriculture Research Extension Network (AgREN) paper of Department Fund
for International Development (DFID) of UK is high quality evidence and is in the top 200
ICT4D resources online.
With exemplary academics, he was the topper of the National level Agricultural
Research Service for the Recruitment of Scientists, conducted by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), during the year 2001. He is the recipient of VN Gold Medal,
Young Scientist Awards for his doctoral work, Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) of ICAR for Ph.D. programme (1999-2002), Junior Research fellowship (JRF) of ICAR for M.Sc
programme (1997-99), Telugu Vigyana Paarithoshikam, a merit scholarship of Government of Andhra Pradesh, India for 1990.
He has visited United States of America, Philippines and Sri Lanka
Skill Sets
In depth know-how and do-how of applications of advance extension methodologies
Proven abilities in planning and executing ICT mediated KM projects in agriculture
Developing and maintaining semantic agricultural portals (especially in rice farming)
Effectively harnessing innovative extension approaches with visible impacts
Developing Knowledge Systems for effective Knowledge Encapsulation and Service Integration
for web and mobile apps
Technology refinement, commercialization and targeting strategies
Planning and executing large scale extension programmes
Innovative applications of Knowledge Management strategies in agriculture
Handling consortia with extension centric methodologies
Well versed with web 2.0 and web 3.0 tools
Expertise in Village Level Studies on Climate change: Vulnerability, Adaptations and Sustainable
Livelihoods in Rice Farming
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2. General Profile
1. Name and designation
Shaik N. Meera Senior Scientist (Agricultural Extension)
2. Date and place of birth
8 April 1974 Nandigama (Andhra Pradesh -India)
3. Marital status Married
4. Postal and telecommunication
address
Transfer of Technology and Training Section Directorate of Rice Research
Rajendranagar Hyderabad 500 030. India
5. Telephone, email, Fax, etc. Tel (O): 040-24591295 Fax (O): 040-24591217
Mobile: +91-9000680909 E-mail: [email protected]
3. Educational qualifications beginning with the first-degree or Equivalent
S.
No.
Degree Institution Year Subject (s) with
major field
Remarks
1. B. Sc
(Agriculture)
Acharya N.G. Ranga
Agricultural University,
Hyderabad, Andhra
Pradesh
1996 Agricultural
and allied
sciences
Grade Points
7.91/10.00
2. M. Sc
(Agricultural
Extension)
Indian Agricultural
Research Institute
(IARI), New Delhi
1999 Agricultural
Extension
Awarded ICAR Junior
Research Fellowship (JRF)
3.77/4.00
3. Ph. D
(Agricultural
Extension)
Indian Agricultural
Research Institute
(IARI), New Delhi
2003 Agricultural
Extension
(ICT enabled
Extension)
ICAR Senior Research
Fellowship (SRF)
3.75/4.00
Won Vasantrao Naik Gold
Medal
4. Employment record
S.
No.
Position held Employer
Place of work
Duration Nature of work
1 Senior Scientist-
Agricultural Extension
Indian Council of
Agricultural Research Directorate of Rice
Research
Hyderabad - India
September
2008 to Till date
Agricultural Extension Research,
Extension activities, Coordinating Frontline
Demonstrations of Macro-
management scheme, Training
and capacity building and
leading externally aided
projects.
Consortium Principal Investigator for Rice Knowledge
Management Portal, first of its kind in Indian extension
2 Scientist (Senior Scale)-Agricultural
Indian Council of Agricultural Research
April 2007 to
Agricultural Extension Research, Extension activities,
About Dr. Shaik N.Meera
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Extension Directorate of Rice
Research
Hyderabad - India
September
2008
Coordinating Frontline
Demonstrations of Macro-
management scheme, Training
and capacity building and
leading externally aided
projects.
3 Scientist -
Agricultural
Extension
Indian Council of
Agricultural Research
Directorate of Rice
Research
Hyderabad - India
August 2006 to
April 2007
Agricultural Extension Research,
Extension activities,
Coordinating Frontline
Demonstrations of Macro-
management scheme, Training
and capacity building and
leading externally aided
projects.
4 Scientist -
Agricultural
Extension
Indian Council of
Agricultural Research
Central Rice Research
Institute
Cuttack, India
August 2003 to
August 2006
Agricultural Extension Research,
Extension activities, Training
and capacity building, In-charge
ARIS cell
4 Scientist -
Agricultural
Extension
FOCARS training
Indian Council of
Agricultural Research
National Academy of
Agricultural Research
Management
Hyderabad - India
April 2003 to
August 2003
Foundation Course
Secured ‘A’ grade
5. In service awards/ Peer recognition
Name of the
Award/Prize/Recognit
ion/Reviewer
Awarding Organization
(place/
country)
Year National/International,
Institutional /Professional
Society
Young Scientist award
Indian Society of Extension Education
IARI, New Delhi
2008 National Professional Society
Young Scientist award
Kerala State Council for Science
Mitraniketan KVK
International Extension Forum
2004 National/
International,
Institutional /Professional
Society
Vasant Rao Naik Gold Medal
National Seminar on “Responding To Changes And Challenges: New
Roles Of Agricultural Extension” Nagpur
2003 Maharashtra Society of Extension Education,
Vasantarao Naik Smruti Pratisthan and
International Extension Forum
Reviewer
Journal of Agricultural Education
and Extension
2007 Wageningen University, The
Netherlands
Referee
(Project proposal on
ICTs)
International Foundation for
Science, Stockholm, Sweden
2007 International Society
Invited speaker International Rice Research
Institute
2011 Workshop on ICTs and Mobile
Apps for Small Farmers
6. Publications
About Dr. Shaik N.Meera
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Following publications of him are testimonials of the extensive work done by him, in a short span of less
than eight years.
• International Refereed Research Network (Policy) Paper -1
• International Refereed Journal Research Papers - 6
• International Book Chapters (Springer)-1
• National Refereed Journal Research Papers – 6
• Books Published (Authored) – 6
• Books Published (Edited) - 6
• Book Chapters – 11
• Training Manuals – 7
• Important Conference papers/popular articles – 12
References of few best publications:
1. Shaik N. Meera, GAK Kumar, PS Pandey, S Arun Kumar and BC Viraktamath (2012). Empowering
Farmers through Rice Knowledge Management Portal in India. Agricultural Information and Knowledge
for All: Success Stories on ICT/ICM in the Asia-Pacific Region. Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural
Research Institutions (APAARI). FAO Regional Office for Asia & the Pacific. Bangkok
2. Meera Shaik N, Balaji V, Muthuraman P, Sailaja B and Sreenath Dixit (2011). Changing Roles of
Agricultural Extension: Harnessing Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for Adapting to
Stresses Envisaged Under Climate Change. In: B. Venkateshwarulu et al. (eds.), Crop Stress and its
Management: Perspectives and Strategies, Springer Science+Business Media. 583-603
3. Meera Shaik N, Mangal Sain, Muthuraman.P, Arun Kumar S, Sailaja B. , Jyothi SSP and Viraktamath BC,
(2010). Critical Analysis of E-learning opportunities and E-readiness in the Public Extension System:
Empirical evidence from Tamil Nadu. Journal of Global Communication, Global Communication Research
Association, Sydney. 3(2): 11-18.
4. Meera Shaik N, Arun Kumar S , Amtul Waris, Vara Prasad C, Muthuraman P, Mangal Sain and
Viraktamath BC (2010). E-Learning in Extension Systems: Empirical Study in Agricultural Extension in
India. Indian Journal of Extension Education. 46 (3&4): 94-101.
5. Meera Shaik N, Arun Kumar S, Muthuraman.P, Chiranjivi. K, Rajender Reddy and Mangal Sain (2010).
Socio-economic Assessment and Sustainable Livelihood Analysis in Rice Farming System. Journal of Rice
Research, Society for Advancement of Rice Research, Hyderabad. 3(2): 60-67.
6. Shaik N. Meera, S. Arun Kumar, P. Muthuraman, K. Chiranjivi, V. Rajender Reddy and Mangal Sain
(2011). Rice Farming Systems in Backward Regions: Socio-economic assessment and sustainable
Livelihoods. Journal of Agricultural Extension Management. 12 (1): 77-97.
7. Shaik N. Meera (2008). Transforming Extension through ICTs: Issues and Strategies for Developing
World. Journal of Global Communication, Global Communication Research Association, Sydney. 1 (1): 68-75.
8. Balaji, V, Shaik N.Meera and S. Dixit (2007). ICT-enabled Knowledge Sharing in Support of Extension: Addressing the Agrarian Challenges of the Developing World Threatened by Climate Change, with a
Case Study from India. http://www.icrisat.org/Journal/SpecialProject/sp9.pdf. E-Journal of Semi Arid
Tropics (SAT) Agricultural Research.4 (1).
9. Meera, N. Shaik and Anita Jhamtani (2005) Future Projections of use of Information Technology in
Agricultural Development in India. Indian Journal of Extension Education. 40(1&2): 1-7
About Dr. Shaik N.Meera
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10. Meera, Shaik. N., Jhamtani, Anita and Rao, D.U.M. (2004). Information and Communication Technology
in Agricultural Development: A Comparative Analysis of three projects from India. Agricultural Research
and Extension Network (AgREN) Paper 135 (Sponsored by DFID, UK). Over Seas Development Institute,
London, UK. pp 20. http://www.odi.org.uk/agren/papers/agrenpaper_135.pdf
11. N. Meera, Shaik and D.U.M. Rao (2003). Evaluation of Information and Communication Technology
Projects in Developing World; Formulating a Prospective Methodology. Manage Extension Research
Review. IV (2); p 138-150.
12. N.C.Rath and N. Meera, Shaik (2005). Rural Radio in Agricultural and Rural Development. Manage
Extension Research Review. VI (1); p 75-85.
13. Meera, Shaik. N., Jhamtani, Anita and Rao, D.U.M. (2003). An Analysis of Agricultural Information
Communication Technology Projects in India: Implications to the Agricultural Extension System.
Tropical Agricultural Research. Sri Lanka 15: 51-59
Other publications
14. Meera Shaik N (2010). ICT enabled Extension Approaches in India: Tactical Synthesis to Practical Framework. Technical Souvenir of Global Meet. University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. P 110-
117.
15. Shaik N. Meera, Vara Prasad, Mangal Sain, S. Arun Kumar and BC Viraktamath (2011). In vogue
Extension Tools (Offline CD). Rice Knowledge Management Portal, Directorate of Rice Research,
Hyderabad
16. Shaik N. Meera, P. Muthuraman, Mangal Sain, S. Arun Kumar and BC Viraktamath (2011).
Indigenous Technical Knowledge in Rice Farming (Offline CD). Rice Knowledge Management Portal,
Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad
17. Shaik N.Meera, Brajendra, S. Mangrautia , Elias Khan and Mangal Sain (2011). Rice Vocs
(Compendium of rice related terms). Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad Pp. 153
18. Shaik N.Meera (2010). E-COURSES for Rice Workers. (16) in number. www.rkmp.co.in
19. Meera, Shaik N. (2008). Biotechnology and Extension. Unit12 of Block-3 of Course -01. Ph.D.
Programme in Agricultural Extension. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
20. Shaik N.Meera, S. Arun Kumar, P.K. Saha and B.C. Viraktamath (2011). A Brief Report on Frontline Demonstrations on Rice. Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad. Pp. 67
21. Shaik N.Meera and B.C. Viraktamath (2010). A Bulletin on Frontline Demonstrations on Rice.
Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad. Pp. 64.
22. Shaik N.Meera and B.C. Viraktamath (2009). A Bulletin on Frontline Demonstrations on Rice. Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad. Pp. 56.
23. Ilyas Ahmed, Shaik N.Meera and B.C. Viraktamath (2008). Popularization of Hybrid Rice – FLDs and
Beyond. Technical Bulletin No.28/2008. Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad. Pp. 45.
24. Ilyas Ahmed, Shaik N.Meera and B.C. Viraktamath (2008). A Bulletin on Frontline Demonstrations
on Rice. Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad. Pp. 72.
25. Ilyas Ahmed, Shaik N.Meera and B.C. Viraktamath (2007). Seeing is Believing. Encouraging Adoption through Frontline Demonstrations. Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad. Pp.93.
About Dr. Shaik N.Meera
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26. Ilyas Ahmed, Shaik N.Meera and B.C. Viraktamath (2006). A Bulletin on Frontline Demonstrations
on Rice. Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad. Pp. 41.
Books
27. Shaik N.Meera (2008). ICTs in Extension: Tactical to Practical. Ganga- Kaveri Publishers. Varanasi.
Pp.248.
28. Dipak De, Basavaprabhu Jirli and Shaik N. Meera (2011). ICTs: Digital Opportunities in Agricultural
Extension. Agrobios (India) Jodhpur. Pp 516.
Offline CDs
29. Shaik N. Meera, P. Muthuraman, Mangal Sain, S. Arun Kumar and BC Viraktamath (2011). Indigenous Technical Knowledge in Rice Farming (Offline CD). Rice Knowledge Management Portal,
Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad
30. Shaik N. Meera, Vara Prasad, Mangal Sain, S. Arun Kumar and BC Viraktamath (2011). In vogue
Extension Tools (Offline CD). Rice Knowledge Management Portal, Directorate of Rice Research,
Hyderabad
7. Any other relevant experience/training
7.1 International training
Deputation to International Rice Research Institute, Philippines (18 November – 09 December 2009)
I had undertaken a visit under the ICAR-IRRI collaborative workplan 1.18 “Improving the impact of rice
research through improved knowledge management to support extension community”.
The visit helped me to get an in-depth understanding of the following.
• Developing insights for knowledge management with a special reference to Rice Knowledge Bank of
IRRI and Open Academy of Philippine Agriculture (OPAPA) of Phil Rice.
• Developing strategies to synergize the efforts of IRRI (with CSISA &STRASA) and DRR/ICAR (with
RKMP).
• Content from IRRIs e-learning material is planned to be used for our project on RKMP.
First hand information on operational issues in handling Knowledge Banks help in strengthening ongoing
RKMP project. Learning material developed during the visit (like e-extension courses) will be hosted
through RKMP. Working on Rice Doctor of IRRI gave an opportunity for developing similar products for
RKMP. Collaborative work plan proposed will help us sustaining the RKMP even after the project period.
The visit undertaken for a period of 21 days was very useful for me to get a firsthand experience about the
Rice Knowledge Bank of IRRI and other KM initiatives. This has helped in learning how such projects should
be meticulously planned and executed. The visit and interactions also gave a good perspective of managing
rice knowledge management initiatives in India with special reference to RKMP. The resources and content
from RKB of IRRI can be best utilized after due customization.
Deputation to Iowa State University, Ames, USA (October 7 to October 28, 2010)
About Dr. Shaik N.Meera
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I had undertaken a 22 days training & study visit on “Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
mediated Agricultural Knowledge Management” at Iowa State University (United States of America).
Knowledge Management in agriculture is relatively a new concept. The mammoth task of driving the
knowledge sharing process in rice requires lot of capacity building exercises. Training on Knowledge
Management strategies, exposure to knowledge management initiatives in agriculture worldwide, acquiring
the first hand information and managerial skills for sustaining the RKMP etc., helped me immensely. This
helps strengthening and sustaining the RKMP in all future endeavors. Further this may also help planning
future KM Portals of ICAR.
Other learnings from the deputation include field level exposure on:
• ICT mediated knowledge management processes along with ICT tools
• Training on select ICT tools for decision making. Develop insights on e-knowledge
transformation
• Quick data analysis and case studies related to with a focus on KM initiatives
• To develop insights that would be helpful for effectively implementing KM/ICT enabled
agricultural projects in India
The learning experiences gained and insights developed during the study visit are given below;
The expertise developed is useful in refining the innovative concepts of KM in Indian Agricultural extension
system. Training cum study visit helped in planning strategies that strengthen and sustain the RKM Project
even after the project period.
Deputation to International Rice Research Institute, Philippines (December 5 – 10, 2011)
The workshop helped me identifying the state of knowledge, concepts, and a way forward on ICT and mobile
applications for rice sector. My participation in the workshop helped develop insights for operationalizing
such mobile apps using RKMP/RKB content.
A presentation was made on “Opportunities for Formulating Knowledge into Mobile and Web messaging
personalized”.
Low sustainability of most of the mobile apps is due to lack of credible, contextualized Information that is
pushed through them. Hence credible and validated information and hence the knowledge repositories are
not sufficient, but essential component for Mobile apps. We need to identify what time critical/ mission
critical information will be provided using mobile apps. The question is that whether repositories cater to
these requirements? If yes, how to use Knowledge Repositories for Mobile Apps?
RKB, RKMP - Full sites/ Portals Designed for desktop computers. For Mobile apps these may not best suited
in the present form. Hence there is a need to transform e-content into m-content. According to me - Mobile
apps tasks (user side) can be categories into following Tasks
• Highly specific tasks (Diagnostics, Nutrient Manager)
• Directed, but less specific (Varieties, alerts, contingency plans, Expert Answers)
• Open-ended Tasks (GAP, Weed Management, Govt. Schemes)
• Web-wide Tasks (General searches)
7.2 Long term training courses in India
About Dr. Shaik N.Meera
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Refresher Course on “GIS Based Decision Support Systems for Agriculture” 21 days (2-23 July, 2006) at
National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad, India.
Refresher Course on “Information technology in Agricultural Development” 21 days (3 – 23 Feb, 2005)
at National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad, India.
7.3 Short term training courses in India
Training and workshop on “Use of ICT Tools for Improving Access to Agricultural Information at Grassroots
Level” (5 days , October 30- November 3, 2006) at National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management,
Hyderabad.
Attended a training cum workshop on “Leadership for Innovation in Agriculture” (5 days, 8-12 June 2009)
at National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) MANAGE, Hyderabad.
Attended a two day workshop on ‘Crop Knowledge Models’ (2 days, 12-13 January 2009) organized by the
NAIP Consortium led by ICRISAT at NASC Complex, New Delhi
Glimpses of Important Books Authored:
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About Dr. Shaik N.Meera
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Some of the training manuals published
About Dr. Shaik N.Meera
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8. Rice Knowledge Management Portal (RKMP) – A testimonial for effective planning and
executing nation level projects
As a first step towards harnessing ICT enabled Knowledge Management strategies, an exclusive portal on rice viz., Rice Knowledge Management Portal (RKMP) is being developed by Dr. Shaik N. Meera. The time
taken for implementing a project of this scale is about 30 months.
The RKMP has several global firsts in terms of comprehensiveness and utility. Built on web 2.0 standards,
this portal caters to location specific information needs of many stakeholders (policy makers, farmers,
extension professionals, researchers, traders, NGOs etc.,) on 24X7 basis. IP based customization helps
individuals to browse through location specific content.
Providing content in local language is another striking feature of this portal. The Extension and Farmers
domain has about 4000 pages of high quality information in ready to use form. About 55 video clips and
5000 minutes of audio clips are hosted in this portal for those who wish to listen and see the content. Expert
Answers on Rice (EAR) aims at answering the farmers queries in English and local languages. For this 152
rice scientists are registered as experts. Contingency plans for rice cultivation may also be disseminated
through SMS/ mobile phones. Online fertilizer recommendation system (Fertimeter) will help extension
workers to recommend appropriate fertilizer dosages. Various support platforms such as weed
management, frontline demonstrations, extension methods, ITKs are provided that will help extension
workers. Completely image based diagnostic tool for rice pests/ diseases/abiotic stresses is one the most
innovative application of the portal. Farmers’ innovations find a place in this domain.
In research domain of RKMP, various services are provided such as AICRIP Intranet, archives of AICRIP data
(of last 45 years), communities of practice (CoP), bio-informatics suite, approach papers, India Rice Research
Repository (i3R), status papers on rice for different states etc.,
The portal operates two e-learning platforms providing learning opportunity to scientists and extension
workers. This helps the officials of state departments of agriculture in refreshing their knowledge on regular
basis. This portal also maintains the trade information system catering to information needs of exporters
and farmers. Indexing of mandi prices of paddy from regulated market yards (from Agmarknet) is another key feature of the portal.
Using this portal policy makers can directly access area, production, productivity trends (of last four decades) upto district level. Regular rice related news, rice is life, rice end products, virtual rice resources,
interesting facts about rice etc., are also hosted on this site.
This portal is an example of harnessing the enormous potential of ICT/KM strategies into existing structural
components of organizations