IRRI accomplished much in its first 50 years, but the demands of the future are great. As populations continue to grow and farmland is diversified or lost, the productivity benefits brought by rice research are more important now than ever, especially as we put more and more pressure on our environment.
IRRI is steadfast in continuing to pursue its goal to improve the lives of the world’s poor, but there are many challenges ahead.
We Need More Rice, Climate Change or Not
We must produce an extra 8–10 million tons of rice every year to keep up with the expected demand. The pressure is unrelenting, especially in the face of climate change.
From Less Land
The rice-growing area in Asia is unlikely to increase much beyond the current estimate of 136 million hectares and even then it must be shared with other crops, ever-expanding cities, and other land use.
A New Generation of Young Scientists and Researchers
We urgently need to attract young scientists to rice research and train them so they can use the exciting new knowledge available to deal with the challenges we face.
And, We Must Overcome Rising Prices
Relentless demand and tight production put rice prices under constant pressure. Expensive inputs, a shortage of water, and increasing labor costs will keep the pressure on for the foreseeable future.
Focus on Research
Investing in public research focused on sustainable solutions and the responsible use of the world’s thousands of rice varieties can help make rice affordable and abundant for all consumers and help energize economic growth.
Improved Technologies
Good research leads to productivity growth through improved technologies. Making sure these technologies get to farmers as quickly as possible is key to stabilizing rice prices.
IRRI accomplished much in its first 50 years, but the demands of the future are great. As populations continue to grow and farmland is diversified or lost, the productivity benefits brought by rice research are more important now than ever, especially as we put more and more pressure on our environment.
IRRI is steadfast in continuing to pursue its goal to improve the lives of the world’s poor, but many challenges lie ahead.
We Need More Rice, Climate Change or Not
We must produce an extra 8–10 million tons of rice every year to keep up with the expected demand. The pressure is unrelenting, especially in the face of climate change.
From Less Land
The rice-growing area in Asia is unlikely to increase much beyond the current estimate of 136 million hectares and even then it must be shared with other crops, ever-expanding cities, and other land use.
A New Generation of Young Scientists and Researchers
We urgently need to attract young scientists to rice research and train them so they can use the exciting new knowledge available to deal with the challenges we face.
Focus on Research
Investing in public research focused on sustainable solutions and the responsible use of the world’s thousands of rice varieties can help make rice affordable and abundant for all consumers and help energize economic growth.
Improved Technologies
Good research leads to productivity growth through improved technologies. Making sure these technologies get to farmers as quickly as possible is key to stabilizing rice prices.
And, We Must Overcome Rising Prices
Relentless demand and tight production put rice prices under constant pressure. Expensive inputs, a shortage of water, and increasing labor costs will keep the pressure on for the foreseeable future.
