ICAR-CIBA signed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Shri A.M.M. Murugappa Chettiar Research Centre (MCRC), Chennai,, Tamil Nadu on 4th July, 2023 for evaluatin the efficacy of fishwaste converted CIBA-Plankton Plus in paddy crop. Dr. Kuldeep K.Lal, Director, ICAR-CIBA stressed upon the need to explore the use of Plankton Plus in agriculture and horticulture crops to increase the demand for the product. He complimented MCRC officials for recognising the potential of CIBA in R and D backstopping and coming forward to sign the MoU. Dr. Debasis De, Principal Scientist, CIBA and team leader of CIBA-PlanktonPlus technology informed that the potential use of CIBA-PlanktonPlus in agriculture can be explored at the field level through collaborative research with MCRC. He also expressed that if CIBA-PlanktonPlus is found to have beneficial effect on paddy crops it will improve the productivity and increase the income for farmers. Dr. Sandeep, K.P., Scientist and a core member of the CIBA-PlanktonPlus technology team elaborated the lead found regarding the use of CIBA-PlanktonPlus in paddy crop in a preliminary trial. Dr. N. Unnamalai, Principal Scientist, MCRC said that they are hopeful that application of CIBA-PlanktonPlus will improve the yield and quality of paddy. A team of scientists comprising of Dr. Debasis De, Dr.K.P.Sandeep, Dr. P. Mahalakshmi of CIBA will coordinate the experimental trials along with MCRC officals. Dr P K Patil, Principal Scientist and Officer In-Charge, Institute Technology Management (ITMU)-ABI Unit of CIBA coordinated the event.
