Thursday, February 11, 2016

Genetically modified rice could withstand the ravages of climate change

Newsweek | 10 February 2016

According to the International Rice Research Institute, each hectare of land (about 2.5 acres) used to cultivate rice in Asia provides food for 27 people. But by 2050, that same hectare will need to feed 43 people. Read more

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Food security still top agenda as ChemChina acquires Syngenta

The Financial Express | 8 February 2016

The acquisition of Syngenta by ChemChina will not affect the key agenda of the company. Rather it could further strengthen the firm's commitment towards food security, high-ups of the seed and crop solution company said at a press meet Monday. Read more

Rice husk, no more a waste

Pakistan observer | 7 February 2016

According to the International Rice Research Institute, rice is one of the important staple food crops, daily food for more than 3.5 billion people of the world. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) estimated world rice production of 700 million tons in 2010. Since the husk constitutes 20% of rice, vast quantities of rice husk is disposed of as waste, or burned in open fields, polluting the environment. Read more

Expert canvasses rice revolution for food security

The Punch | 7 February 2016

African governments and policymakers have been urged to improve management practices and policies as a way of increasing rice production on the continent. Read more

Transforming rice breeding

The Daily Star | 4 February 2016

In IRRI Dr. Eero Nisslä, head Plant Breeding Genetics and Biotechnology Division and his team is already in progress to change some of their breeding approaches. Scientists are in a process to transform the conventional breeding concept in a business format. Read more

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Nutritional security through bio-fortified zinc rice

The Daily Star | 4 February 2016

Bangladesh agriculture has contributed to achieving food self sufficiency through production of about 38 million tons of food grain. Rice alone provides a major share of this with over 35 million tons. Read more

On heirloom rice and sustainable seafood

Business World | 3 February 2016

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baños, Laguna points out that heirloom rice varieties are tastier, more aromatic, and more resilient to environmental stresses. Read more