Former IRRI scholar receives AAEA fellowship award

Dr. Jikun Huang has been awarded an Agriculture and Applied Economics Association (AAEA) Fellowship for his outstanding contribution to the advancement of agricultural or applied economics.

Huang was a PhD scholar in agricultural economics at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) from 1987 to 1990 while studying at the nearby University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

Recognition as an AAEA Fellow is AAEA's most prestigious honor. Huang was recognized for his exceptional contributions through research, mentoring students, institution building, and impact on policy. His leadership in agricultural economics in China is unsurpassed and his research has made significant influence on China’s agricultural policies, according to the AAEA.

As a researcher, his work is widely known for being empirically based and rigorously analyzed.  Among his most significant contributions are his research on biotechnology impact assessment, food security and policy, and food supply/demand/trade simulation model.

Huang is the founder and director of the Center for Chinese Agricultural Policy at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He is also vice presidents of Chinese Association of Agricultural Economics and Chinese Association of Agro-Technology Economics. 

In 2010, he received IRRI’s Outstanding Alumni Award. “Dr. Jikun Huang is one of the most well-known agricultural economists in the world,” said then IRRI Director General Robert Zeigler during the awarding ceremony. “His publications have been widely cited in international journals. His work has also influenced China’s agricultural policy and development, including China’s rice policy.”

Huang also received the UPLB Distinguished Alumni Award during UPLB’s 100th anniversary celebration in 2008.

Huang discusses the importance of training the next generation of rice scientists, beginning at 1:34 into an IRRI video on the subject. 

Learn more about IRRI (www.irri.org) or follow us on social media and networks (all links down the right column).

IRRI strengthens partnership with Lao PDR to develop the country's agriculture sector

VIENTIANE, Laos—The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) sent a mission to Lao PDR seeking to reinforce its partnership and expand its role in increasing the country’s food and nutrition security.

The mission followed up on a visit by a team of IRRI scientists in 2014 to build IRRI’s engagement with its national research partners, review the Lao PDR Rice Policy and Rice Sector Strategy, and identify technical assistance advice and expertise available to the country's agriculture sector.

The IRRI mission team, headed by Reiner Wassmann, climate change specialist, included Michele Weldon, head of partnerships and development; Grant Singleton, coordinator of CORIGAP: Closing rice yield gaps in Asia with reduced environmental footprint; Leocadio Sebastian, regional program leader for CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security-Southeast  Asia (CCAFS); Digna Manzanilla, coordinator of the Consortium for Unfavorable Rice Environments (CURE); Yoichiro Kato, agronomist at CURE; and R.K. Singh, rice breeder.

“The team was a good cross-section of the disciplines and networks relevant to our work in Lao PDR,” said Weldon. “The majority of the team members have previous experience in Lao PDR going back over several years in projects and consortia with donors.”

IRRI’s activities in Lao PDR have been supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development, SDC, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, the Government of Japan, and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Collaborations between Lao PDR and IRRI began in the late 1960s. The long-term partnership resulted in the transformation of Lao PDR’s rice sector from pure subsistence to more commercial production. The country’s total rice production increased from 1.5 million tons in 1990 to more than 2 million tons in 1999, at which time the country achieved rice self-sufficiency. In 2012 and 2013, rice production exceeded 3 million tons, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation.

In 2007, the Lao PDR Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and IRRI signed a memorandum of understanding establishing the IRRI-Greater Mekong Subregion office in Lao PDR, which is now the IRRI-Lao PDR office.

In 2012, a study requested by the government reported that, as its rice production has achieved a sizable surplus, improving nutritional outcomes will increasingly depend on policies that promote higher household incomes and education about better diets.

 “It was very important to re-assure the local partners of our sustained interest in working in the country,” said Weldon. “The team identified some important prospects for future engagement in Lao PDR. There are some large projects at the development stage.”

Research priorities identified by IRRI’s Lao partners focused on modernization, more resilience in the rice sector, and developing niche markets for their rice. Lao partners are concerned that they have been left behind as neighboring countries in the region have already started such efforts.

“Our mission is to strengthen existing partnerships and establish areas for collaboration, as well as identify partners and potential donors who, in some cases, have not been aware of our long history of collaboration in the country,” said Weldon.

Learn more about IRRI (www.irri.org) or follow us on social media and networks (all links down the right column).

DA-PhilRice and IRRI offer drought-tolerant rice varieties to farmers

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines—The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have been working together to breed and disseminate seeds of drought-tolerant rice varieties that can better survive the ongoing El Niño phenomenon.

“It is the poor farmers who suffer the most from the effects of climate change,” said Dr. Bruce Tolentino, IRRI’s deputy director general for communication and partnerships. “This is why IRRI has been working hard to develop climate change-ready rice varieties that can withstand extreme climatic conditions such as droughts, floods, heat, cold, and soil problems such as high salt and iron content.”

Rice farmers who are currently struggling with the effects of El Niño are particularly interested in drought-tolerant rice varieties. The ongoing El Niño is expected to cause much lower rainfall in the first half of 2016 throughout South and Southeast Asia, which includes the major rice-growing countries.

“El Niño conditions will worsen livelihoods and may also lead to insufficient food supply for vulnerable farm households,” said Dr. Reiner Wassmann, climate change expert at IRRI.

Scientists at IRRI have developed and released drought-tolerant varieties—those that can produce up to 1.2 tons more per hectare than varieties that perform poorly under drought conditions—in several countries, including Sahbhagi dhan in India and the Sookha dhan varieties in Nepal.

In the Philippines, the drought-tolerant rice varieties available to farmers in rainfed lowland farms include Rio Grande, Sacobia, and 12 varieties of Sahod Ulan. Drought-tolerant rice varieties for upland farms include Pasig, Apo, and Katihan 1.

“We have provided PhilRice with the foundation germplasm for climate change-ready rice,” Tolentino said. “DA-PhilRice is multiplying these seeds for distribution to farmers who need them the most.”

In addition to climate change-ready rice varieties, IRRI has also developed water-saving technologies such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD). AWD is regarded as one of the more important rice cultivation methods that can dramatically save freshwater irrigation.

Learn more about IRRI (www.irri.org) or follow us on social media and networks (all links down the right column).

UP Open University showcases artworks from Paete, Laguna

Dr. Grace Javier Alfonso (in red) and Ann Yom Steel, IRRI’s Strategic Planning head (in black) during the opening of Silip Paete. Also in photo are IRRI Communication’s Antoinette Caballero (right) and Priscilla Grace Cañas (left). Photo by: Christopher Gapuz, IRRI

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna—An art exhibit that highlights the incredible abilities of artists from a town famous for its wood carvings is currently open for viewing at Galeria Sinag at the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Community Hub.

Silip Paete: Sculpture and Painting Exhibition features 49 artworks by Angelito and Lell Baldemor, Joseph and Jayson Bañez, Danilo Cads, Bayani Rey Acala, Glenn Cagandahan, Phaern Afurong, Edgar Driodoco, Ernesto Cagayat, Oddette Monfero, Christine Aquilo, Melecio Baysauli, Ronnel Cainto, and Edward Dave.

The beautifully hand carved and painted Koi 

by Paete artist Jai Bañez. (Photo by Christopher Gapuz, IRRI)

Their creations—wood carvings, sculptures, and paintings—cover a wide array of subjects that appear random. These are united, however, by the extraordinary skills of the artists. The art pieces generate a melody of visual energy, both soothing and vibrant. One needs to be there to appreciate the santan or Ixora flowers, meticulously carved in wood and brought to life by bursts of colors; delicate koi ponds that exude the tranquility of the real thing; and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child.  There are also the fantastical handiworks that seamlessly fit in Tolkien's imaginary world: majestic wild horses running like the wind, whimsical tree houses inhabited by fairies and elves, as well as a dragon in a fierce and hostile stance.

The event is organized by UPOU’s Cultural Committee, headed by Dr. Prime Garcia, and the Banhay Kulay Paete Artist Guild, led by Mr. Joseph Bañez. UPOU has been hosting competitions and exhibits, wood carving workshops and forums for local wood carvers since 2013.

“These events provide an avenue where everyone can appreciate the wood carvers’ art pieces depicting Filipino culture and the ways of life in local communities,” said Dr. Grace Javier Alfonso, chancellor of UPOU. “Through these artworks, may we realize that Filipino artists are truly gifted and are more than capable of producing obras, which are truly world-class.” UPOU also aims to help build and strengthen networks among artists and give them an opportunity to market their works, Alfonso added.

Banhay Kulay Paete Artist Guild has been a UPOU partner since 2015 and nurtures established and upcoming talents of Paete. Paete in Laguna is widely hailed as an artistic hotspot, particularly for its excellent woodcarvings. In fact, the town's name is derived from the Tagalog word for chisel.
"Some of our members left their high-paying jobs abroad,” said Jayson Bañez, who leads the guild. “They chose to return to Paete to practice their art."

Silip Paete: Sculpture and Painting Exhibition is open to the public until 21 March.

IRRI Communication intern Christopher Gapuz (left) and Paul Hilario, 
curator of the IRRI Riceworld Museum.

 (Photo by A. Santiaguel, IRRI)

Nestor Cagayat found his inspiration in a crowd of rowdy inebriated menfolk for this complex and 
intricately carved Mabo-boteng usapan.(Photo by Christopher Gapuz, IRRI)

Members of the Banhay Kulay Paete Artist Guild at the opening of Silip Paete exhibit. (Photo: UPOU)

Learn more about IRRI (www.irri.org) or follow us on social media and networks (all links down the right column).

Award-winning Bangladeshi journalist and activist explores collaboration with IRRI Communication

Shykh Seraj is a Bangladeshi journalist, media personality, and agricultural development activist who has been promoting agricultural development in Bangladesh through electronic and print media for over 30 years. Seraj is credited with revolutionizing the agricultural sector of Bangladesh through television. He is also the founder of the first-ever Bengali satellite television station in Bangladesh.  

Seraj has received numerous accolades for his work, including the prestigious A.H. Boerma award from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization for his outstanding development journalism in the field of agriculture.

Seraj and other journalists from his network visited IRRI on 26 November to discuss possible collaborative media activities with the institute's communication unit.  

Seraj acknowledged what IRRI has done for the farmers of Bangladesh and offered to contribute to Rice Today magazine. 

Seraj also shared his strategy for popularizing developmental journalism in Bangladesh, including the use of social media. “Farmers are human beings so we make various programs for them that cover entertainment, health, culture, festivals, and others,” he said. 

During their visit, Seraj and his fellow journalists interviewed IRRI Director General Robert Zeigler, and Noel Magor, head of the Training Center, and Ruaraidh Sackville Hamilton, head of the T.T. Chang Genetics Resources Center and the International Rice Genebank.

Learn more about IRRI (www.irri.org) or follow us on the social media and networks (all links down the right column).

APEC director discusses mechanization hub plan with rice experts

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines – On November 20, in the middle of APEC 2015, Mr. Shigetoshi Aoyama, director of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), took time to visit the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) headquarters two hours south of Manila to learn about a proposal that seeks to speed up mechanization of rice farming in Asia.

Migration of rural laborers from farm to urban centers has created labor scarcity that is affecting agricultural production in many Asian countries, including Japan. Millions of smallholder farmers across Asia do not have the means to pay the high wages of workers to carry out labor-intensive farming activities. In India alone, labor shortage affects the farm operations of about 600 million smallholders.

Labor scarcity is an increasingly widespread problem that IRRI is trying to solve through mechanization, said Bruce Tolentino, deputy director general for communication and partnerships at IRRI.

Engr. Martin Gummert, senior scientist at IRRI’s Postharvest Unit, presented to Mr. Aoyama a proposal for a mechanization hub in which IRRI will be the center of a network that will facilitate transfer of mechanization technology and build capacity on the use of such technologies in target countries. The network will bring together countries such as Japan, China, and the US; the private sector; donor and funding agencies; and major rice-producing countries.

Photos 

Learn more about IRRI (www.irri.org) or follow us on social media and networks (all links down the right column).

IRRI, National Museum share treasures with the world

MANILA, Philippines – The late National Artist Vicente Manansala must have been smiling last night. Jointly organized by the National Museum of the Philippines and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Sharing the Harvest featured the public unveiling of IRRI’s three Manansala studies in the museum’s IRRI hall as well as the launch of the Guide to the birds of Philippine rice fields, and the 2016 Heirloom Rice Recipes calendar.

IRRI deputy director general Bruce Tolentino welcomed high-level Philippine government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and special guests and dignitaries to the "trifecta of events only made possible by the the strength of partnerships."

Mayor of Cheongdo County in South Korea visits the “birthplace” of Tong-il rice

Tong-il, Korea’s “miracle rice,” with its yield potential of 5 tons per hectare, played a major role in enabling the country to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production in the 1970s. (Photo: Moises John Reyes)

Seong-Yool Lee, mayor of Cheongdo County, South Korea, visited IRRI on 11 November 2015 to learn about the historical relationship between Korea and the Institute. The Government of the Republic of Korea has been working with IRRI since 1964. The collaborative research between the Rural Development Administration (RDA) and IRRI resulted in the development of Tong-il rice varieties.

IRRI and the National Museum feature the genius of Manansala, the heritage of Cordillera rice farmers, and nearly 100 wild bird species

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the National Museum will hold a trifecta of grand events celebrating the genius of National Artist Vicente Manansala, heirloom rice treasures of the Cordilleras interpreted for the palate by the country’s top chefs, and the breathtaking natural beauty and awe of wild bird diversity in the Philippines.

Sharing the harvest, on 12 November 2015, at 6:30 pm at the National Museum, spotlights the original studies (rendered in watercolor) of the two large Manansala paintings that opened for public viewing in the museum’s IRRI Hall on 14 May 2015. Another study of the artist’s oil painting Prayer Before Meal will also be on display for the first time.

Taiwan and IRRI reignite its partnership under new program

Dr. Robert Zeigler, IRRI director general, Ms. Corinta Guerta, IRRI director for external relations, and Ms.Rose Dong-Chong Hsiou, deputy director general of the Department of International Affairs, Council of Agriculture, Taiwan discuss joint activities at the review and planning meeting for the new collaborative program on 27-29 October at IRRI Headquarters. 

Taiwan and IRRI have never been short on agricultural innovation and reinvention. The development of Taichung Native 1 (TN1)—a high-yielding semidwarf indica variety—by the Taichung District Agricultural Improvement Station in 1949, is one of the significant events in the history of rice varietal improvement. The dwarfing genes found in Taiwanese semidwarf rice varieties were used by IRRI to develop modern rice varieties.

“When we look back at the history of the Institute, one of the very key parts was the creation of the IR8 rice variety,” said Robert Zeigler, director general of IRRI. “It was made possible with the introduction of material from Taiwan. We’ve had a very close relationship with Taiwan from the beginning.”

Back in IRRI’s formative years, Dr. T.T. Chang became the institute’s first geneticist. From 1962 to 1991, Chang managed the International Rice Germplasm Center. His research on the evolution and variation of rice has led to major advances in plant breeding, productivity, and disease resistance, with a profound impact on agricultural productivity throughout much of Asia, Africa, and South America. The genebank was later named the T.T. Chang Genetic Resources Center in his honor. Dr. Paul C. Ma and Dr. Shen Tsung-Han also played instrumental roles in the launch of the institute.

Other past collaborative activities have proven mutually beneficial among IRRI, the National Taiwan University (NTU), and the Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, Council of Agriculture of the Executive Yuan. These led to the promotion of research, training, integrated pest management, and rice germplasm improvement and conservation, among others. In October 2008, IRRI and NTU signed an agreement establishing a partnership in rice research to boost global rice production.

However, changes in the political landscape limited the once rich collaborative activities between Taiwan and IRRI. According to Zeigler, political sensitivities have probably contributed to the slowing down of the development of IRRI’s relationship with Taiwan. “That’s unfortunate,” he said, “We need to take advantage of the skill set within Taiwan.”

Now, a new chapter in IRRI’s partnership with Taiwan begins. Recently, Taiwan strengthened its commitment to global food security with an annual donation of USD 600,000 to support a collaborative program on rice research with IRRI from 2016 to 2019. This program was the result of a long-term dialogue between Taiwan and IRRI representatives Zeigler, Ms. Corinta Guerta (director for external relations), and Dr. Hei Leung (scientist and country representative to Taiwan).

Leung recounted how the newly energized partnership with Taiwan began. “It started as an initiative in Taiwan to explore ways and means of developing climate-resilient crops 5 or 6 years ago,” said Leung. “As a consequence, we were invited to submit a research proposal.”  The project was called Intensifying rice breeding technology to cope with climate change and increase rice self-sufficiency in Taiwan. It is the second phase of this project that the government of Taiwan, through the National Taiwan University, is currently funding.

“I have always been very impressed with the quality of science and institutional strengths in Taiwan,” Zeigler remarked during the Taiwan-IRRI collaboration review and planning meeting for the new collaborative program held on 27-29 October 2015 at IRRI headquarters. “We are natural partners. We are very pleased to move this relationship to a new level and once again start a formal research partnership with Taiwan.”

The meeting was attended by Ms. Rose Dong-Chong Hsiou, deputy director general of the Department of International Affairs, Council of Agriculture (COA), and Deputy Secretary General Lee Pai-Po of the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF).

Also part of the Taiwan delegation were Deputy Director General Hung-Hsi Lee, Department of Science and Technology; Dr. Chwen-Ming Yang, director of the Crop Science Division, Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute (TARI); Dr. Ming-Hsin Lai, Crop Science Division, TARI; Dr. Men-Chi Chang, Department of Agronomy, NTU; Ms. Chia-Yu Li, program manager, Technical Cooperation Department, TaiwanICDF; and Ms. Ming-Chuan Chung, specialist, Department of International Affairs, COA.

Hsiou welcomed this development and thanked Zeigler, Leung, and Guerta for paving the way for the reboot of this research partnership. “Because of you, Taiwan and IRRI can reconnect again,” she said. “This is very, very important for us. I heard so much about your very good results and progress. While I am with the COA, I will work for a closer relationship between Taiwan and IRRI and we will work hard to increase our contribution.”

In addition to the COA, TARI, and NTU, the new program also expands IRRI’s partnership to include TaiwanICDF. TaiwanICDF is dedicated to boosting socioeconomic development, enhancing human resources, and promoting economic relations with partner countries. “This is the first time we will be working with TaiwanICDF. The partnership will focus on capacity building and training on postharvest and seed production,” said Guerta.

Zeigler, who is retiring from IRRI at the end of the year, is very optimistic about the reinvigorated relationship with Taiwan.  “I see this as a strategic partnership. It is something that we hope will endure over many, many years and encompass a wide range of areas that are mutually important for both Taiwan and IRRI. This is a partnership of cooperation and collaboration that should grow in the future.”

Learn more about IRRI (www.irri.org) or follow us on the social media and networks (all links down the right column).