Dr. Hari Sankar Nayak, a post-doctoral fellow with Cornell and IRRI, joins a pool of agriculture experts to receive the International Fertilizer Association (IFA) Emerging Scholar Award. He is honored by the IFA for his research on leveraging data-driven approaches to enhance sustainable rice production and optimize nitrogen use efficiency.
From November 12–14, 2024, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) hosted the CGIAR Breeding and Research Services (BRS) Shared Services Workshop for Asia at its headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines.
Empowering rice breeders and market researchers to align demand-driven product development of rice varieties with major value chain actors.
As Bangladesh's climate and market conditions evolve, rice production must adapt to meet consumer preferences and environmental challenges. Market-aligned breeding supports this, addressing both the demand for rice and resilience against major climatic stresses.
An extensive training program by IRRI Bangladesh and USAID empowered 39 rice breeders to enhance climate resilience in Bangladesh’s agriculture, specifically on rice breeding for abiotic stress tolerance.
In a strategic move to bolster rice production against the backdrop of climate change, IRRI Bangladesh, supported by USAID’s Feed the Future (FTF) initiative, hosted a day-long training in Dhaka on November 12, 2024, focused on developing rice varieties capable of withstanding abiotic stresses like cold, submergence, heat, and salinity.
07-18 October 2024 (Los Banos, Laguna) - Genebanks hold a lifeline to the future. To ensure their operational sustainability for generations, the Fit for Future Genetic Resources (FFGR) Unit at IRRI, Biodiversity for Opportunities, Livelihoods and Development project of the Global Crop Diversity Trust (BOLD-GCDT), Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), CGIAR Genebank Initiative, and the Mexican Government sponsored a Capacity Development and Knowledge Exchange Training. The goal is to empower staff of national genebanks in key areas, including seed characterization, multiplication, germplasm handling, and data management, aligning with FAO’s standards for genebank operations. The training was conducted by the team of Dr. Venuprasad Ramaiah, unit leader of FFGR.
The 2024 Annual Activity Review Workshop for the CGIAR Initiative for Mixed-Farming Systems (MFS) project brought together key stakeholders to assess the progress and future directions for sustainable farming in Bangladesh. This initiative addresses the need for resource-efficient, climate-resilient practices by integrating crop and livestock production, providing targeted innovations like crop diversification, improved fodder varieties, and gender-sensitive mechanization. A major takeaway from the workshop was the positive impact of collaborative efforts on enhancing farm productivity, income, and resilience in local communities.
4-5 July 2024 (Los Banos, Laguna)—The Seed Health and Logistics Unit (SHU) and the Breeding Operations Unit - Cross Cutting Operations (CCO), in partnership with HR - Learning and Development (HRL&D), conducted two transformative training sessions on the Sampling of Seedlots and Consignments for Seed Health Testing. This initiative aimed to empower Research Technicians (RTs) by enhancing their proficiency in performing seed sampling according to the established protocols of SHU and CCO.
7-17 October 2024 (Los Baños, Laguna)—Five (5) government technical staff from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar united for a 10-day training program at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Hosted by the Institute of Food Science and Technology, this program offered participants a valuable opportunity to advance their knowledge of food safety, sensory evaluation, and innovative food processing techniques.
IRRI and NARES report promising breakthroughs in salinity-tolerant rice, aiming to enhance resilience for Bangladesh’s farmers.
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES) are making significant strides in breeding salt-tolerant rice varieties essential for Bangladesh’s saline-prone agricultural regions. These developments come in response to increasing soil salinity, which affects nearly 30% of Bangladesh’s coastal areas and poses serious challenges for rice cultivation—a vital crop for the nation’s food security and economic stability. Through the 2024 IRRI-NARES Late Maturity Salinity Trials, scientists are developing resilient, high-yielding rice genotypes to better withstand harsh environmental conditions.
The workshop emphasized continued efforts in developing cold-tolerant, high-yield rice varieties to enhance food security and resilience in Haor areas.
Gazipur, Bangladesh (5 November 2024) – The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), and the Krishi Gobeshona Foundation (KGF) came together to review and plan on advancing cold-tolerant, short-duration rice varieties for the Haor region to enhance resilience to cold stress and improve food security in the region. This collaboration aims to tackle climate-related challenges in rice production by developing varieties that can thrive under the Haor region’s climatic conditions.
The 2024 AFACI (Asian Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative) assessed the progress of the project, "Stress-tolerant, high-yielding rice (SHR) varieties suitable for AFACI member countries and Germplasm Utilization for Value Added (GUVA)" during their Project Evaluation Workshop from August 27 to 28, 2024. The reviewed initiative aims to develop rice varieties resilient to biotic and abiotic stresses like drought, salinity, and flooding while enhancing yield potential.
Can Tho, Vietnam (October 9-11, 2024) – The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Vietnam Office held a Training of Trainers (TOTs) workshop in Can Tho, Vietnam. The workshop focused on Sustainable and Low-Carbon Rice Production, emphasizing Rice Straw Management. This event was part of the Capacity Building for Sustainable and Low-Carbon Rice Innovations in Southeast Asia (CABIN) project, supported by the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF).
Sharif Ahmed, Abdullah Miajy, Alanuzzaman Kurishi, Prakashan Chellattan Veettil
The CGIAR Regional Integrated Initiative Transforming Agrifood Systems in South Asia (TAFSSA) recently organized a regional workshop focused on expanding, branding, and creating market linkages for biofortified rice in Bangladesh. The workshop occurred on September 26, 2024, at the OFRD conference room, BARI, Rangpur. Approximately 45 individuals from various sectors, including government organizations such as the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Bangladesh Institute for Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM), and Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC) participated in the event. Additionally, private sectors, including auto rice mills, supermarkets, traders, and seed companies, as well as cooperatives and lead farmers specializing in biofortified rice, played a vital role in the workshop.
Can Tho City, Vietnam (October 9th, 2024)—The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Vietnam Office launched a new project called Capacity Building for Sustainable and Low-Carbon Rice Innovations in Southeast Asia (CABIN). The CABIN project, supported by the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) and implemented by IRRI, aims to promote sustainable rice straw management in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, and the Philippines from 2024 to 2028.
Dehner de Leon
The IRRI Sustainable Impact through Rice-Based Systems (SIRS) Department recently concluded its back-to-back training sessions for staff on using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) and R programming. Organized by the Data Enablement and Stewardship for Knowledge Exchange (DESK) committee, the learning activities were designed with interactive segments and enlisted more than 30 participants.
Dhaka, Bangladesh, 10 September 2024. To combat the impacts of climate change on agri-based food systems of the Deltaic regions of Bangladesh and India, a webinar titled “Asian Mega Deltas Initiatives for Resilient and Adaptive Agri-Food Systems” was organized by South Asia Regional Resilience Hub. It is a part of the Gobeshona Program at the International Center for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD). The project is part of the CGIAR’s initiative on the Asian Mega Delta and is being led by IRRI in Bangladesh. The discussions focused on how advanced technology, nature-based solutions, and community-led innovations are transforming agriculture by improving climate resilience and livelihoods in the Asian Mega Deltas, focusing on Bangladesh and India as a part of the Ganges Delta.
by Sharif Ahmed, Abdullah Miajy, and Humnath Bhandari
DSR technology can potentially reduce irrigation and labor needs while boosting productivity for rice farmers.
On September 25, 2024, IRRI, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), organized a field day and farmers' perception meeting on mechanized dry-seeded Aman rice (DSR) in Kishorgonj, Nilphamari, Bangladesh. The event showcased the benefits of DSR, an innovative rice crop establishment method that reduces production costs by saving labor and water and lowering methane emissions. Local farmers witnessed firsthand the results of a 20-acre DSR demonstration under the SI-MFS and ScaleDirect projects, focusing on using the short-duration rice variety BRRI dhan75.
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) welcomed key experts in plant pathology to the inaugural International Rice False Smut Consortium workshop, supported by the John Templeton Foundation, to address urgent issues affecting rice production caused by Rice False Smut disease. During this event, IRRI formally launched the International Rice False Smut Consortium, where 22 international organizations pledged their support by becoming members.
The Rice Straw-Based Circular Economy for Improved Biodiversity and Sustainability (RiceEco) Project achieved all its mid-term indicators, demonstrating its effectiveness in driving positive change in the agricultural sector through research, innovative technologies, and building farmers' capacity. These achievements have far-reaching implications for the agriculture sector and the environment.
Sharif Ahmed, Abdullah Miajy, and Humnath Bhandari
The recent severe flooding in Bangladesh has significantly affected the country’s rice production, particularly Aus and Aman rice crops. The floods destroyed the near-mature Aus rice, leaving farmers with no prospects for harvest. However, Aman rice had just been transplanted but was at risk, heightening concerns among farmers about the availability of seeds and seedlings for replanting. Despite the devastation, there is still a narrow window for replanting short-duration Aman rice varieties following the receding floodwaters.
To promote the use of biocontrol agents and biopesticides and mainstream Integrated Pest Management in the rice-based ecosystem in Odisha, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) partnered with CAB International (CABI) and Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) to organize a workshop and field demonstration on “Mass Production and Application of Biological Control Agents and Biopesticides” from 23rd -27th September. Biocontrol agents help prevent pest resistance, support sustainable agriculture, and are essential for organic farming. Additionally, they can reduce the long-term costs on insect-pest management.
This activity is under the World Bank-aided project “Odisha Integrated Irrigation Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture” and is managed by the Department of Water Resources and Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Odisha. The project aims to intensify and diversify agricultural production and enhance climate resilience in selected districts of Odisha This is planned to be achieved by a) adopting high yielding climate-ready varieties of different crops in tank command and influence areas, b) promoting rice varieties and cropping systems for tank command and influence areas to manage rice fallows c) optimizing nutrient management in tank command areas through an integrated plant nutrient supply system, and d) strengthening the entrepreneurship capacity of farmer organizations for seed and service provision development.
The workshop focused on the hands-on training of participants on the basic principles to produce biocontrol agents that are used as an augmentative approach to combat common pests and diseases with improved management practices in rice and pulses.
The training was conducted in the entomology and plant pathology department of OUAT. The participants were trained on the production of Trichogramma, the production of Corcyra eggs and trichocards, field release of Trichogramma, field evaluation technique, an overview of predatory insects in rice, and the production and field application of Trichoderma, Pseudomonas and Beauveria bassiana.
The inaugural session was presided by the OUAT dean Prof. H.K. Patro, who expressed his enthusiasm in the IRRI, CABI and OUAT collaboration. He expressed his interest in having similar collaborative programs in the future. The participants included five PhD students from OUAT who had the opportunity to learn production technologies from experts.
IRRI Soil Scientist, Dr. Anthony Fulford, emphasized the importance to include both organic and inorganic ways of crop management in the current scenarios of climate change to contribute to sustainable agriculture.
The first day of the workshop featured a presentation by Dr. Malvika Choudhary from CABI, who provided an overview of the mass production training. Prof. M.K. Mishra from OUAT highlighted the use of biopesticides, which aligns with the growing need to combat pesticide resistance, and has become a significant challenge in agriculture. Dr. A. Sasmal from OUAT provided an overview of the importance of biocontrol agents and shared the success stories on the basis of the use of biocontrol agents and their benefits.
The training sessions were conducted jointly by Dr. Swapan Ghosh and Dr. Malvika Choudhary from CABI and professors from OUAT. Participants were encouraged to follow the step-by-step production methods to produce the biocontrol agents. These trained participants will act as master trainers and continue to train participants at the local level, creating awareness and building the skills of people at the ground level in the production and use of biocontrol agents.
A highlight of the event was the release of a training manual co-developed by CABI, OUAT and IRRI, which will guide the participants in scaling the technology at ground level.
Dr. Mukund Variar, IRRI State Coordinator for Odisha, expressed appreciation for CABI in promoting biocontrol agents and emphasized that an integrated approach is the need of the hour. Dr. Mukund stressed that the project aims to raise awareness, and build capacity of the stakeholders on Integrated Nutrient and Pest Management and IRRI will continue to put effort into building a sustainable and climate-resilient ecosystem in Odisha.
The workshop brought together 40 participants, including representatives of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Farmer Producer Companies, NGOs, and students and professors from OUAT and IRRI staff.
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Regional and provincial researchers from the Philippines’ Region 3 scaled up their knowledge and skills in Direct Seeded Rice, particularly in digital data collection and best practices in Participatory Performance Testing and Validation (PPTV), through a workshop facilitated by Dr. Mary Jean Du, Breeding Lead for IRRI’s Rice Breeding Innovations Department-Southeast Asia Region.
(BANJAR BARU, Indonesia, 12 September 2024) The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) participated in the public hearing held by Balai Penerapan Standar Instrumen Pertanian (BPSIP) South Kalimantan on September 12, 2024, at the BPSIP South Kalimantan office. Representatives from local government institutions, partners, and farmer groups attended the event, which was organized to gather insights from key stakeholders on agricultural services provided by BPSIP South Kalimantan.
Did you know annual farm equipment repair and maintenance costs are more expensive than buying new ones? This is why the IRRI Breeding Operations Unit, led by Engr. Princess Lilia Dela Cruz, has taken important steps to review existing farm equipment and resource utilization to match the research needs and improve the overall resource management efficiency.
Progressive men and women farmers, SPs, and representatives from non-government organizations from Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana participated in a hands-on demonstration of mechanized direct-seeded rice. The objective was to allow stakeholders to observe and experience advanced agricultural practices.
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| Joint discussion and collaborations to initiate joint crossing block design activities at ANGRAU breeders in RARS, Maruteru, and ARS, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh. |
Influential mega varieties, mainly SWARNA and BPT 5204, have long dominated the Indian rice sector, as the main staying varieties of Indian rice production since the 1980s. These cultivars provide a reliable and high-yielding option for farmers nationwide. With a goal to replace these market-demanded mega rice varieties with more upgraded rice (climate-resilient, more productive, and late-duration maturity), the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) collaborated with the Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) on a transformative journey to start joint breeding efforts. The partnership aimed to have a shared vision of replacing these established mega varieties with new, high-yielding, and improved genotypes.
Nam Dinh, Vietnam, August 20, 2024 - To promote the use of organic fertilizer and the mainstreaming of rice straw-based circular economy model, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) partnered with the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection of Nam Dinh province to organize a training workshop and field demonstration on mechanized rice straw-based composting.
Ms. Patricia Izabelle M. Lopez won the Best Paper Award-Upstream Category at the joint Crop Science Society of the Philippines and Society for the Advancement of Breeding Research in Asia and Oceania (CSSP-SABRAO) International Conference for Crop Science and Breeding.
Tanay, Rizal - July 29, 2024—Farmers and agriculture extension workers from Rizal Province collaborated with International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) researchers to enhance agricultural practices and technology adoption among local farmers.
ScaleDirect Team initiates a robust baseline study in India to later inform measurement of the project's impact on improving environmental and socio-economic sustainability of rice production in the region.
July 26, 2024, India - Gearing up to measure the impact of its climate-smart technologies in rice-based food systems, the Rice Breeding Innovation of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), in partnership with Bayer Crop Science, launched a baseline survey last July 8 to support its Climate Smart Rice Technology Project.
In a significant move to address widespread hidden hunger in Kenya, the Market Intelligence Initiative was invited to partake in the launch of the Millers for Nutrition Initiative in Kenya. Millers for Nutrition is a global initiative composed of 8 countries that aim to provide access to safe, nutritious food for all citizens.
Kenya, like many sub-Saharan African countries, faces a critical challenge with micronutrient deficiencies, often referred to as “hidden hunger.” UNICEF, the Kenyan demographic health survey, and WHO estimate that about 40% of women in their reproductive age (15-49 years) suffer from iron deficiency. Furthermore, around 26% of children under the age of five years are affected by iron deficiency anemia. In addition, about 30% of women and men are zinc deficient, and an additional 51% of children under the age of five suffer from zinc deficiency. Iron and zinc deficiencies result in stunted growth, wasting, and cognitive impairments. Vitamin A deficiency affects about 16% of women and men and 33% of children under 5 years.
Millers have been identified as a key group to help ease the burden of hidden hunger through fortification strategies of major staple crops such as maize, wheat, and edible oils. These consumer products are currently fortified in Kenya, with rice gaining greater attention through the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, which highlighted the importance of safe, nutritious food through the improvement of fortification technology and standards. The rice fortification strategy for Kenya will be launched shortly.
Cereal fortification has been shown to be effective in addressing malnutrition, but the presenters highlighted that this is not always easy to achieve. Food safety issues like aflatoxin contamination often result in poor products. The Kenya Millers Fortification Index (KMFI), an assessment tool developed to monitor and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of fortification programs in Kenya, was implemented through collaborative efforts involving the Kenyan government, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), milling companies, and non-governmental organizations.
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) organized a crop cafeteria on 11 May 2024 at the BADC Seed Multiplication Farm in Tangail.
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A delegation from the Philippines' Department of Agriculture visited Vietnam to learn about their successful sustainable rice production program. The Philippines hopes to adopt similar practices to improve yields and farmer profits and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In a recent visit to Vietnam, DA Secretary and IRRI Board of Trustees Ex-Officio Member Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. engaged in a series of knowledge exchange events to learn about sustainable rice production. During his visit, Vietnam's experience with the "Sustainable Development of One Million Hectares of High Quality and Low-Emission Rice Associated with Green Growth in the Mekong River Delta By 2030" program was particularly highlighted.
Kim Diane Nocito, an Affiliate BS Scholar in IRRI, recently won the Best Undergraduate Thesis for Weed Science given by the Weed Science Society of the Philippines during the 56th Pest Management Council of the Philippines Scientific Conference held last June in Boracay, Aklan.
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IRRI South Asia Hub, Hyderabad, India (25 May 2024)— More than 30 scientists from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI )South Asia Hub and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Institute of Rice Research (ICAR-IIRR) participated in a rigorous selection process of breeding lines for developing superior rice varieties.
The Odisha Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment (DA&FE) promotes cultivating dhaincha and organic fertilizer to improve farmers' productivity and ensure the sustainability of the state’s agriculture sector.
(UNGARAN - BOYOLALI, Indonesia, 25 - 27 June) - IRRI and its key partner organization, BSIP (Indonesian Institute for Agricultural Instrument Standard Implementation) Central Java, are committed to contributing to the Indonesian government's goals for rural prosperity, food security, environmental sustainability, and climate mitigation and adaptation. As part of this commitment, IRRI and BSIP are working together on the Rice Crop Manager (RCM) Indonesia project to broaden its dissemination, enhance its algorithm, and showcase its results through field trials.
Can Tho City, Vietnam (7 June 2024)—Experts from international organizations and the public and private sectors discussed developing a circular economy based on rice production and processing to ensure the sustainability of the rice industry in the Mekong River Delta (MRD).
Entry by Amber Sharick (IRRI Vietnam)
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The IRRI Vietnam team has had an exciting few weeks supporting evidence-based decision-making through stakeholder engagement and policy dialogue.
A delegation from Sea6 Energy visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Headquarters in Laguna, Philippines to explore possible research collaboration and membership through IRRI’s Bio-Innovation Center (BIC) program.
CUU LONG DELTA RICE RESEARCH INSTITUTE (CLRRI), 15 April 2024—In response to the need for capacity-building efforts, particularly in data analysis using modern tools and breeding approaches, researchers from CLRRI underwent a workshop on “Experimental designs and modern statistical data analysis”. It was conducted by IRRI scientists, as part of the project "Securing the Food Systems of Asian Mega-Deltas through Identification of Salinity Tolerant Genotypes in Vietnam".
IRRI works closely with national research partners in the rice value chain to understand their priorities and needs. Using an extensive portfolio of rice breeding innovations coupled with improved agronomic practices and advice, IRRI addresses the constraints they face.
Conventional rice breeding makes up the bulk of IRRI’s rice breeding research. This approach takes advantage of existing genetic variation to introduce desirable traits into cultivated crop varieties.
IRRI also uses new breeding approaches to address producing food. New approaches produce crops that help supply the food requirements for an ever-increasing population, within a context of uncertainty from climate change, decreasing natural resource pools, and malnutrition.
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| Dr. Giovanny Eduardo Covarrubias, head of the RBI’s Breeding Analytics and Data Management unit, welcomed participants from different research units across IRRI to highlight the importance of enabling scientists to do their own analysis to accelerate decision-making. |
The Breeding Analytics and Data Management team within IRRI’s Rice Breeding Innovations department demonstrated firsthand their biometrical genetics workflow application (bioflow) at IRRI Headquarters.
CIAT, COLOMBIA, 15 April 2024 — Germplasm/Seed health units staff members from various CGIAR centers, including the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), meet once again for the 7th International Workshop of the CGIAR Germplasm Health Units, held from 15-19 April at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) Headquarters in Palmira, Colombia.
The adviser to the Chief Executive Officer of the Monde Nissin Corporation recently visited IRRI Headquarters to meet with scientists and discuss innovative uses of rice for their company’s food products.
IRRI mourns the passing of its esteemed former and founding South Asia Regional Centre director Dr. Uma Shankar Singh, on May 9, 2024.
