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International Rice Research Institute January-March 2011, Vol. 10, No. 1

GRiSP Blueprint for a greener revolution

No rust for rice Rice in the city Greener rice Quality matters in Africa

US$5.00 ISSN 1655-5422 Rice Today January-March 2011 1

contents Vol. 10, No. 1

EDITORIAL...... 4 maps...... 24 Rice in the city...... 43 Getting a grasp on GRiSP and the future of rice science Rice yield trends in Asia over the past 50 years Rice may soon thrive once more in urban Singapore

Greener rice...... 27 RICE FACtS...... 44 Hidden Treasure...... 5 Green Super Rice for the Resource-Poor of Africa and The global rice market: boom or doom? Asia aims for environmental breakthroughs in NEWS...... 6 agriculture with rice varieties that are more robust, high-yielding, and disease-resistant, yet thrive with GRAIN OF TRUTH...... 46 The new global rice agenda: a Latin American PEOPLE...... 8 less water, fertilizer, and pesticide perspective

new books...... 10 what's cooking?...... 30

Rice for future generations...... 12 obituary...... 31 IRRI holds its Third International Rice Congress in Mun-Hue Heu: Father of the Korean Green Revolution Hanoi—strengthening its commitment to ensure food security for tomorrow’s generation IRRI and the world food prize: A historic bond...... 32 The rise of rice...... 16 Rice finds its way back to the top of the agenda as Volatile markets, cautious traders...... 34 nations across the world try to attain food security Rice traders see a bumpy road in 2011 as financial risks in the face of an unpredictable climate and a and climate change rocked the markets of 2010 volatile rice market

Quality matters...... 36 Asia pushes for sustainable Africa shifts its focus to producing quality rice to food security...... 17 support local farmers and reduce the region’s Asian leaders gather to chart the next steps toward dependence on rice imports ensuring enough rice in every bowl On the cover: Using a palette of threads, an anonymous artist depicts No rust for rice...... 38 a Vietnamese woman winnowing rice in this traditional Blueprint for a greener revolution...... 18 Scientists embark on a quest to discover what makes hand-embroidered picture. Hand embroidery is a GRiSP is an innovative and holistic work plan that rice resistant to rust disease and replicate the trait in 700-year-old art form in Vietnam, a country where seeks to improve international partnerships in rice other cereal crops research, its delivery, and impact its economic progress has been driven by its other tradition—rice farming. Vietnam’s adoption and adaption Rat busters...... 40 of rice technologies has helped it become a major rice Country highlight...... 22 IRRI’s rodent management team braves the rough exporter. Now, with the advent of the Global Rice Science IRRI in India mountains of the north to help farmers save their Partnership (GRiSP), it is hoped that other rice-producing crops from rats countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America will benefit. Your trusted broker and advisor Rice Today is published by The Rice Trader Inc. (TRT) in association with the International Rice Research Institute International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). DAPO Box 7777, Metro Manila, Philippines TRT, for 21 years, has brought subscribers crucial, up-to-the-minute information Web (IRRI): www.irri.org; www.irri.org/ricetoday for international commodities trade. on rice trade through its weekly publication, The Rice Trader. Acknowledged as Web (Library): http://ricelib.irri.cgiar.org the only source of confidential information about the rice market, this weekly Web (Rice Knowledge Bank): www.knowledgebank.irri.org summary of market data analysis has helped both the leading commercial rice companies and regional government officials make informed decisions, which are Rice Today editorial critical in today’s market. telephone: (+63-2) 580-5600 or (+63-2) 844-3351 to 53, ext 2725; fax: (+63-2) 580-5699 IRRI is the world’s leading international rice research and training center. Based or (+63-2) 845-0606; email: [email protected], [email protected] Farm and Trade Inc. is an international buyer and seller of rice with a vested in the Philippines and with offices in 13 other countries, IRRI is an autonomous, nonprofit institution focused on improving the well-being of present and future cover photo Anonymous interest in uniting sustainable cultivation and research techniques with ethical generations of rice farmers and consumers, particularly those with low incomes, publisher Jeremy Zwinger while preserving natural resources. It is one of the 15 nonprofit international associate publisher Duncan Macintosh trade decisions. By combining world class analysis from all corners of the research centers supported, in part, by members of the Consultative Group on managing editor V. Subramanian industry, Farm and Trade Inc. is the world’s premier broker of rice. International Agricultural Research (CGIAR – www.cgiar.org) and a range of other funding agencies. editor Mia Aureus Responsibility for this publication rests with TRT and IRRI. Designations used associate editor Lanie Reyes in this publication should not be construed as expressing TRT or IRRI policy or contributing writers Gene Hettel, Sophie Clayton, Samarendu Mohanty, From field to fork, we have you covered. opinion on the legal status of any country, territory, city, or area, or its authorities, Alaric Santiaguel, Trina Leah Mendoza or the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Africa editor Savitri Mohapatra (AfricaRice) Rice Today welcomes comments and suggestions from readers. Rice Today copy editor Bill Hardy assumes no responsibility for loss of or damage to unsolicited submissions, which art director Juan Lazaro IV should be accompanied by sufficient return postage. designer and production supervisor Grant Leceta The opinions expressed by columnists in Rice Today do not necessarily reflect photo editors Chris Quintana, Isagani Serrano the views of TRT or IRRI. circulation Lourdes Columbres The Rice Trader Inc. Web master Darell Sison 2707 Notre Dame Blvd., Chico, CA 95928 printer DHL Global Mail (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. Web: www.thericetrader.com

International Rice Research Institute 2011

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Farm and Trade Inc. is a member of the International Commodity Institute. t is with great delight that I report to you that the Global Rice Science Partnership (GRiSP) was successfully launched Hidden Treasure* as the first new Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Research Program at the Third I In honor of the International Rice Research Institute’s International Rice Congress (IRC2010) last November in Vietnam. (IRRI) 50 years of dedication to rice research and GRiSP marks a new era in rice science—one that outlines a path through which, for the first time, the world can better coordinate its approach to rice science. Through GRiSP, rice research agencies can pool resources, apply their development, The Rice Trader (TRT) donated US$10,000 expertise strategically, and collaborate even more in relation to research and its delivery to help poor rice farmers across to IRRI during the TRT World Rice Conference in the world. Phuket, Thailand, last 12-14 October. This amount is not By 2035, GRiSP has the potential to contribute significantly to lowering rice prices and reducing global poverty by much compared to the great wealth of others, but I am more than 10%, help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save more than 1 million hectares of natural ecosystems nonetheless glad to be able to give back to the Institute from being converted to rice production. (Read more about GRiSP in Blueprint for a greener revolution on pages 18-21.) that has given so much to the world. With the theme Rice for Future Generations, IRC2010 was the perfect venue for the launch of GRiSP. Incredible sharing of rice research and ideas occurred and, in this issue, we feature a group of stories outlining some of the highlights and activities of the event. In the next 50 years forward and what challenges lie ahead of us? The Further tied into our GRiSP highlight, the Grain of Truth column features Latin America as a significant partner in the simple answer is to sustain the achievements seen mega-program. It particularly discusses the benefits of sharing expertise and experiences to achieve the global goal of ftentimes, in the midst of celebrating in the last half a century, and even push for more ensuring food security for each and every person. and looking back at accomplishments, advancement to increase our food supply. The world’s Africa underlines the necessity to boost local production—in not only quantity but also quality—to reduce the we take a pause in life. It is as if one has population will continue to grow dramatically. But, the region’s dependence on rice imports. finally reached the top of the mountain amount of land used for food production is reaching Speaking of increasing production, it is well worth knowing how much yield and yield stability have improved since Oafter an arduous climb, and takes time to sit down, its maximum capacity, and so we must focus on using the 1960s as presented in the Maps section. It is interesting to note that we still have much room for improvement. rest, and reflect on the journey. land resources more efficiently, boosting yields, and Of course, production is never without challenges. But, the important thing is how we respond to those challenges. reducing postharvest losses. Perhaps, this is the last hurrah Dr. Samarendu Mohanty (right) In this issue, we take a look at the rat problem troubling the many farmers in the northern region of the Philippines. IRRI’s of this 50-year celebration. receives the donation on behalf Needless to say, we need to rodent experts, headed by Dr. Grant Singleton, take us on a journey to the Mountain Province to discover both “good” of IRRI from TRT’s President/CEO find new, better, and more And so, allow me to once again Jeremy Zwinger. and “bad” rat species and to work with a local community to adopt practices that help reduce rat damage in rice crops. humbly honor those who sustainable ways to increase In our continued effort to highlight countries IRRI works in, this time we focus on India. have dedicated their careers our food supply, and at the Another country that has garnered attention is Singapore—a very urban nation dependent on rice imports. to propel great revolutions in same time keep prices in check Singapore is taking on a role in raising awareness about rice—an integral part of Asia’s diet and culture. It is now also agriculture. The time and effort to ensure that everyone can being eyed as a potential home for a rice futures exchange as mentioned in the task force report Never an Empty Bowl: they have devoted to ensure still have access to food. Energy Sustaining Food Security in Asia. According to Samarendu Mohanty, IRRI senior economist, a rice futures exchange is one we have food on our plate is is yet another factor that must of the essential ingredients in helping keep rice prices stable in the long term. In his Rice Facts article, Dr. Mohanty also commendable. It is because be considered on the road observes that freeing up the market could help buffer the fluctuations in rice prices observed again recently. of them that we—the rice ahead as it will surely leave a Finally, it is a pleasant surprise to see that nine World Food Prize laureates have had a connection with IRRI—a industry and IRRI—now stand trail, particularly in the cost reminder that rice science is having an impact where it really matters. We hope this continues through GRiSP and all our where we are, celebrating the THE RICE TRADER of fertilizers, a valued input to rice science efforts. many hard-won achievements in food production. boost yields. So, what has occurred during the last 50 years? Working diligently to make sure the world has Prior to 1960, we were still “mentally” moving away ample food supplies and remains safe from fears of from the devastation of World War II. At that time, food shortages is a priority. One thing is certain: the the world had a great sense of rebuilding lives and challenges will be great. Nonetheless, we are also sure a renewed sense of hope for a better future. The that some people will stand up to these challenges population then was around a staggering 3 billion knowing that their sacrifices today will be rewarded Achim Dobermann and questions abounded concerning how to push much later—to the benefit of future generations. for industrial and technological revolution, while at For me, quiet success outweighs the need for public the same time sustaining agricultural growth to feed accolades. the growing number of people. Political turmoil and With this, I would like to end by wishing everyone shifts in global power followed and brought about a happy new year. May 2011 bring us more blessings— socioeconomic changes. Yet, in all of this, the world but, more importantly, that we understand the had to look forward to the progression of the human blessings that have already been bestowed upon us. race. Problems will always be there, but humans have been blessed with the ability to solve challenges. I believe that we will continue to triumph over more challenges in the future. Jeremy Zwinger (From left to right) Alain Ghesquière, head of the IRD Genome and Development Research Unit; Marco Wopereis, AfricaRice deputy director general and director of research for development; In the next 50 years, what must we do as we move Publisher Carlos Pérez del Castillo, chair of CGIAR Consortium board; Achim Dobermann, IRRI deputy director general for research; Robert Habib, head of the CIRAD Department of Tropical Production and Processing Systems; and César Martínez, CIAT rice program leader, discussed GRiSP during IRC2010. * The opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Rice Research Institute. 4 Rice Today January-MarchSee http://snipurl.com/1orsvy 2011 for selected YouTube video clips of the GRiSP discussion. Rice Today January-March 2011 5 NEWS NEWS Korea releases tasty new pest-proof rice Genetic diversity of rice now secure in “Doomsday Vault”

he International Rice Research outh Korea has released Anmi, a new “We were then able to add this western coast of the Korean peninsula. Institute (IRRI) has contributed Global race to find wild crop genes pest- and disease-resistant japonica gene to a BPH-susceptible elite japonica Farmers who grow Anmi will likely T New pact to protect rice S an additional 42,627 samples of seeds The Global Crop Diversity Trust has launched rice with high palatability. It is the latest rice variety Junambyeo, successfully experience less damage to their rice from different types of rice to the a worldwide search for the wild relatives of The International Rice Research output from Korea’s collaboration with employing the modern rice-breeding crops from such BPH pest outbreaks 23 important food crops, including rice, to Svalbard Global Seed Vault, dubbed the Institute (IRRI) and GrainPro, Inc. IRRI to help Korean farmers boost rice technique called ‘marker-assisted while reducing their pesticide use. create a library of wild genes. “Doomsday Vault,” to help secure the have signed a cooperation agreement to production. breeding’ for the first time ever in Korea’s Variety Development The work will take 10 years and the first world’s rice diversity. collecting trips will start in 2011. The seed promote the adoption and dissemination Anmi, meaning “safe and delicious japonica rice,” he added. Committee of the National Institute of IRRI first deposited 70,180 rice and plant samples will be conserved at a of rice storage technologies in the rice” in Korean, has high resistance In 2009, the Rural Development Crop Science, RDA, released Anmi on samples during the inauguration of the number of sites around the world, including Philippines to reduce postharvest losses to a destructive rice pest—the brown Administration (RDA) of Korea reported 6 December 2010. It is the result of a the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway. Vault in February 2008. that can be between 15% and 25% of planthopper (BPH)—as well as to a swarms of BPH in 10 counties along the collaborative research project between The government of Norway is giving US$50 “IRRI now has the largest number rice harvests. range of diseases such as blast, bacterial IRRI and RDA. million to fund the project. of samples of a single crop and its IRRI’s postharvest expert, Engr. blight, and rice stripe virus. It has an Anmi, South Korea's new pest- and disease-resistant japonica wild relatives, coming from the largest Martin Gummert, said the agreement average milled rice yield potential of rice variety, promises better crop output for farmers. number of countries, stored in Svalbard,” International Treaty on Plant Genetic helps provide farmers, processors, more than 5.8 tons per hectare, which is said Dr. Ruaraidh Sackville Hamilton, Resources for Food and Agriculture,” and seed producers with cost-effective 11% more than the best check japonica head of IRRI’s International Rice Dr. Sackville Hamilton said. The Treaty technologies that help reduce postharvest variety, Hwaseongbyeo, currently grown Genebank (IRG). ensures the fair sharing of benefits from losses and maintain the quality of rice in Korea. The samples sent to Norway are the use of these resources. and seeds. “We have been working on duplicates of rice conserved at Since 2002, IRRI and GrainPro improving the resistance of japonica rice IRRI’s IRG in Los Baños in the have informally cooperated to develop to brown planthoppers to help Korean Philippines. The IRG currently and verify small-scale airtight storage farmers since 2002,” said IRRI plant houses the largest collection systems such as the “Superbag.” breeder Dr. Kshirod Jena. “In 2004, we of rice genetic diversity in had a significant breakthrough when we h u

S the world, containing around l l were able to locate the gene Bph18 for i 110,000 different types of rice. Black rice bran reduces BPH resistance. Jung-P “IRRI shares seed from ­inflammation the IRG for free with farmers, The International Rice A new study by the U.S. Department of a n

Uganda to double rice production farmers’ groups, governments, ta Research Institute houses Agriculture’s Western Regional Research n Indonesians urged to eat less rice i and universities, among others, 110,000 different types of Center in Albany, California, has s qu s rice in its genebank.

under conditions set by the chri claimed that black rice may help soothe he Indonesian government has and the country has 240 million people ganda will surpass 400,000 tons the inflammation involved in allergies, launched an ambitious drive to wean to feed. of rice by 2015,” Agriculture T “U asthma, and other diseases. people off rice. Improving farming techniques and Minister Hope Mwesigye said. And, by “Miracle rice” finding proves we can never stop rice breeding Experiments involved giving black Welfare Ministry Secretary General a postcolonial food security drive have 2018, production is expected to triple. rice bran to laboratory mice and hinted Indroyono Soesilo said, “We urge seen the country go from being the The government considers rice nvironmental changes are to blame may have occurred over time, as the that the bran suppressed the release of Indonesians to kick their habit of eating world’s biggest rice importer in the 1960s a priority crop and key to alleviating for a 15% drop in the yield of “mir- possible cause of the yield decline, and E histamine, which causes inflammation. rice. We need to diversify our diets. to being self-sufficient now. poverty. Minister Mwesigye noted that acle rice”—also known as IR8—since instead identified changes in the environ- “Indonesia produces 66 kinds But, while rice is plentiful and rice had helped reduce the country’s the 1960s when it was first released and ment as the cause of the decline,” Dr. Source: Times of India of other carbohydrates, such as corn, cheap, the government is worried that the absolute poverty from 50% to 23%. lauded for its superior yields that helped Peng said. sago, cassava, sweet potato, potato, nation is becoming too dependent on a In view of this, the government avert famine across Asia at the time. “Hotter nights, which are known to and others,” he added. “All of these can single crop. has established the Uganda National IR8 used to produce a maximum reduce rice yields, and other environmen- replace rice for two out of three meals a Rice is vulnerable to shifting Rice Development Strategy. Under this yield of 9.5 to 10.5 tons per hectare, tal changes such as modifications in soil Indian farmers adopt flood- day.” global weather patterns, such as this national program, seven rice irrigation significantly more than other varieties in properties due to intensive rice cropping tolerant rice at unprecedented The average Indonesian consumes year’s unseasonal rains linked to cooler schemes are set to be constructed to the 1960s when average global rice yields and air pollution are all possible contrib- rates more than 100 kilograms of rice a year sea-surface temperatures in the Pacific, increase local production. were around only 2 tons per hectare. But, uting factors,” he added. Field-testing a rice variety normally known as the La Niña effect. “We want Uganda to be the regional when grown today, IR8 can yield only According to Dr. Peng, the findings takes 4–5 years before it is released irri Other concerns include food basket,” Minister Mwesigye said around 8 tons per hectare, at most. demonstrate the need for ongoing or and another 2–3 years before it reaches population growth and the during a ceremony where Japan donated Dr. Shaobing Peng, a crop physiolo- “maintenance” breeding because it allows farmers. shrinking availability of arable US$7.8 million to Uganda to build a rice gist from the International Rice Research rice plants to cope with a changing Through targeted dissemination, the land because of urbanization research and training center. Institute (IRRI), and his team grew rice environment. International Rice Research Institute is and rising sea levels from global The center aims to develop the from original IR8 seeds preserved in Despite their limited progress in helping Indian state governments identify warming, which the government ­capacity of the rice industry and con- the International Rice Genebank and increasing rice yield potential, specific flood-prone areas where seeds fears could slash Indonesia’s rice tribute to the dissemination of NERICA compared them with IR8 seeds continu- maintenance breeding efforts have had of submergence-tolerant rice can be Indonesia tries to diversify its food production. rice in Uganda and boost the income of ously grown and harvested over the last significant success in improving grain distributed, without having to wait until basket to reduce eastern and southern African farmers. few decades. quality and maintaining rice yields it is multiplied and distributed en masse. the nation's reliance Source: Agence France Presse “Our study eliminated changes in despite substantial increases in diseases, on rice. (AFP) Source: New Vision, www.newvision.co.ug the genetic composition of IR8, which insects, and environmental changes. Source: www.irrinews.org

6 Rice Today January-March 2011 Rice Today January-March 2011 7 people people s e Appointments y re TR AINING COURSES AT IRRI ie n a l loyd Le Page SNP Data Analysis Training Course Rice Breeding Course Lwas recently IRRI Training Center, Los Baños, Philippines IRRI Training Center, Los Baños, Philippines appointed by the 7-11 March 2011 8-23 August 2011 CGIAR Consortium This course will provide IRRI researchers and scholars with the essential knowledge required to navigate new single nucleotide This course aims to develop the next generation of rice breeders adept Board as the first polymorphism (SNP) data sets. The goal is to introduce participants in using modern tools to enhance the precision and efficiency of their Consortium chief to the available tools to handle these types of data and apply them breeding programs. It will provide the theoretical background on mod- executive officer. in their own research projects. The course will include hands-on ses- ern breeding methods and techniques, including the use of biotech- Mr. Le Page, a sions for participants to be familiar with the different software and nology; planning and information management tools and experimental British citizen, online tools for SNP data analysis. techniques and software; the opportunity to share experiences with other rice breeders; and the latest updates on areas relevant to rice is currently leading the Sustainable breeding and the worldwide exchange of rice genetic resources. Breed- Agriculture and Development Division of Rice: Research to Production ers and agronomists working on variety development or testing in the Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business. In IRRI Training Center, Los Baños, Philippines public and private sector are highly encouraged to attend. this global role, he has primarily focused Nine IRRI scientists received the been cited for his significant contribution 16 May to 3 June 2011 on working with small farmers and Merit Medal “for the cause of science and in pest management related to ecology, This course aims to create a new generation of plant scientists that are well networked in the international community and understand Molecular Breeding Course improving agricultural value chains in technology development of Vietnam.” The biodiversity, and education. He developed the importance of innovative plant science in tackling global IRRI Training Center, Los Baños, Philippines Africa and Asia. recipients were (from left in photo above) insect population models for under- problems. Topics include an understanding of the basics of rice 3-14 October 2011 He brings with him a great deal of Robert Zeigler, director general; Achim standing predator-prey and insect-plant production in Asia; familiarity with the germplasm collection at IRRI This course aims to provide hands-on training that would en- practical experience globally, regionally, Dobermann, deputy director general relationships, and quantified food webs in and current issues related to germplasm exchange and intellectual hance rice scientists’ capability to apply molecular technologies in and locally. He has gained the trust and for research; Gurdev Khush, former rice ecosystems and the impact of pesti- property; an appreciation of the research issues of IRRI and its ongoing rice breeding programs. These programs seek to develop developing-country partners; hands-on skills relating to rice breed- high-yielding varieties that are resistant to various biotic and confidence of many stakeholders of IRRI rice breeder and principal scientist cides on biodiversity. From his research ing, molecular genetics, and genomics; an understanding of how abiotic stresses, and that will produce rice with improved grain and the CGIAR community and has been (1967-2001); To Phuc Tuong, principal to understand farmers’ decision-making to structure effective international collaboration; and a plan and nutritional quality. consulted by some of the centers in the scientist; Darshan Brar, head of PBGB; processes, he designed communication personal contacts to work effectively as part of the international development of Consortium Research K.L. Heong, senior scientist; Abdelbagi campaigns and entertainment-education research community in the future. Programs. Mr. Le Page is expected to Ismail, senior plant physiologist; Grant programs for farmers. Dr. Heong is also For more details, contact Dr. Noel Magor, head, IRRI Training Center lead the CGIAR in the implementation of Singleton, senior scientist; and Roland one of the five newly elected fellows ([email protected]) or see www.training.irri.org. its new business model. Buresh, principal scientist (not in photo). for agricultural sciences who will be Glenn Gregorio was appointed The Merit Medal “for the cause inducted in the 22nd General Meeting of as deputy head of the Plant Breeding, of agriculture and rural development the CGIAR in Morocco in 2011. Genetics, and of Vietnam” was given to William Kyu-Seong Lee, director of the 3 Biotechnology (PBGB) Padolina, deputy director general for Korea Plant Industries Association Cam- Division effective 1 operations; David Mackill, principal bodia Center of the Rural Development October. Dr. Gregorio’s scientist; David Johnson and Martin Administration (RDA), Republic of Ko- primary responsibility Gummert, senior scientists; Sushil rea, received this year’s Senadhira Rice 1 2 in his new post is Pandey, senior economist; and Julian Research Award in recognition of his providing support to Lapitan, head of National Programs outstanding contributions to rice research the head of PBGB in risk management Relations. and international cooperation in rice and quality assurance activities, and K.L. Heong, senior scientist and varietal development. The award is given in mentoring new staff. Dr. Gregorio insect ecologist, was honored by the to a leading Asian scientist working on will continue to be senior scientist and Third World Academy of Science, an rice research. The award ceremony took plant breeder for abiotic stresses such as international organization that promotes place at the International Rice Congress salinity and zinc deficiency. scientific excellence for sustainable in Vietnam. development in the South. Dr. Heong has Dr. Lee is a former IRRI scientist who conducted seminal research on the Awards and recognition genetics of resistance to bacterial blight in rice and, under the Germplasm for RRI and its staff members were Utilization for Value Added (GUVA) 1. A memorable read. (left to right) IRRI Communication and Publications Services staff mem- Ihonored at the 3rd International project, produced quality seeds of ber Gigi Caballero, water scientist Dr. Ruben Lampayan, and research and extension specialist Rice Congress (IRC2010) held on 8-12 japonica rice varieties for Korean Rowie Baltazar celebrate Hanoi’s (formerly known as Thang Long) 1,000th anniversary with Rice Today in Vietnam. November in Hanoi, Vietnam. The farmers. He developed a collaborative 2. Catching up on their reading. Participants at the International Rice Congress 2010 take time Vietnamese government conferred project between RDA and IRRI aimed to read the magazine in between sessions. upon IRRI the First Class Friendship at developing more nutritious rice 3. Home run. IRRI Web specialist Darell Sison greets the Windy City, home of the Chicago Cubs, with Rice Today in tow. Order during IRRI’s 50th anniversary to varieties for Korea and other countries. 4. Warm welcome. Iranians greet IRRI Deputy Director General for Research Achim Dobermann acknowledge the Institute’s contributions He has tirelessly promoted international (fourth from left) and IRRI scientists Arvind Kumar (third from left), Casiana Vera Cruz (fifth to Vietnamese agriculture and almost collaboration between Korean scientists from left), Melissa Fitzgerald (sixth from left), and Jauhar Ali (eighth from left), and Rice half a century of collaboration between and scientists from IRRI and other rice- Today with a big banner in front of the mosque in Rasht. 4 the two parties. growing countries.

8 Rice Today January-March 2011 Rice Today January-March 2011 9 NEW bookS http://books.irri.org NEW bookS http://books.irri.org

Research to Impact: Case Studies for Natural Resource provide a modern appraisal to an age-old problem through better Books launched during the Third International Rice Congress Management for Irrigated Rice in Asia understanding of the mechanisms that lead to rodent outbreaks, why Edited by Florencia G. Palis, Grant R. Singleton, Madonna C. Casimero, and rodent population numbers increase under different circumstances, Bill Hardy and the impact of outbreaks in a range of different agroecosystems Rice in the Global Economy: Strategic Research and Policy and native forests in different parts of the world. This is an encouraging Issues for Food Security he 2008 global rice crisis stimulated progress report by scientists passionate about rodents, people, Edited by Sushil Pandey, Derek Byerlee, David Dawe, Achim Dobermann, TAsian governments to allocate more conservation, and improving knowledge concerning these species and Samarendu Mohanty, Scott Rozelle, and Bill Hardy investments to rice research and extension the ecosystems they inhabit. And, in a novel twist, there is an appendix to increase the rice supply, help rice- of recipes for preparing rat meat. One will be more than tempted to try orldwide, rice is the most important food for the poor. It is grown importing countries achieve rice self- one of these dishes the next time one travels in Asia or Africa. View and Won approximately 155 million hectares and accounts for one-fifth sufficiency, and allow exporting countries download on Google Book Search: http://snipurl.com/1nxyii. of the global calorie supply. Although traditionally an Asian crop, rice to produce surplus stocks. Considering has long been a staple in parts of Africa and Latin America, and its this staple’s political, economic, social, importance is growing in those regions. and cultural significance, a continued A Practical Field Guide to Weeds of Rice in Asia (Second Edition) The past decades have seen many changes that shape how rice increase in rice productivity is critical in By B.P. Caton, M. Mortimer, J.E. Hill, and D.E. Johnson will be produced in the future. These include rapid economic growth, ensuring food security, reducing poverty especially in parts of Asia, rising wage rates, increasing diversification and hunger, and enhancing environmental eed infestations are every farmer’s concern. of diets, global climate change, and a greater integration of the food sustainability. Rice production, however, is WDepending on the type of rice production economy with other sectors of the global economy, including both challenged by declining water availability, system, farmers across Asia often contend with energy and financial markets. In the context of these major global the conversion of prime lands to alternate uses, the increasing problem similar weed species. This group of species is trends, a new vision for future rice farming, which will strategically of labor shortage, unpredictability of climate change, and widespread relatively small, but of great importance, and position investments in rice research, technology delivery, and the concern regarding the environment. includes many of the “world’s worst weeds.” design of policy reforms, needs to be developed. Thus, research and extension in agriculture continue to play Aside from the practical information about This forward-looking book presents a vision for the future of important roles in agricultural development to improve the lives some of the most common weeds of rice in Asia, rice farming. And, it answers key strategic questions in the context and livelihoods of Asian farmers and consumers. Research generates this easy-to-use guide has information about the of major developments in the global economy. Various scholarly technologies and good agricultural practices or best practices for botany, ecology, herbicide resistance, and cultural contributions in this book examine these strategic questions and natural resource management (NRM) to boost resource-poor farmers’ control of these species. Its illustrations aid in early and accurate lay out a rich menu of options on how to improve rice systems productivity and income. Extension provides mechanisms by which species identification. sustainably and enhance the overall performance of the global rice these NRM technologies can be disseminated for wide-scale adoption This book aims to help farmers, extension agents, researchers, economy in order to reduce poverty and hunger. by farmers. and others assess weed control problems and, when possible, This book was officially launched during the Third International The impacts of NRM technologies can be realized only when provide strategies for improving integrated weed management in Rice Congress held last 8-12 November in Hanoi Vietnam. View videos of the end users—rice farmers—practice them. Adopting agricultural rice systems. Hopefully, it will assist farmers to better understand the the launch at http://snipurl.com/1rlh9k. View and download on Google To order IRRI books online, please e-mail [email protected]. technologies and best practices for NRM , however, remains a big relationships among land preparation, rice establishment methods, Book Search at http://snipurl.com/1ny959. challenge largely because most are knowledge-intensive technologies and early-season water management practices that often strongly that cater to local adaptation by farmers, and not physical products. influence the particular weed species that infest their rice fields.View Vietnam: 50 Years of Rice Research and Production This book documents cross-country learning through case studies on and download on Google Book Search: http://snipurl.com/1ny8fr. the processes and methodologies employed from research to achieve Edited by Bui Ba Bong, Nguyen Van Bo, and Bui Chi Buu impact by tackling the challenges of generating wider-scale adoption Published by Agriculture Publishing House, Hanoi, Vietnam of NRM technologies in lowland irrigated agroecosystems. View and The Rice Crisis: Markets, Policies and Food Security download on Google Book Search: http://snipurl.com/1nxxgy. Edited By David Dawe ice is a way of life for the Vietnamese. This staple crop is deeply Published by the United Nations Food and rooted in the cultural heritage of the country. It not only R Agriculture Organization contributes to national food security but also provides income and Rodent Outbreaks: Ecology and Impacts reduces poverty for the millions of people in the rural sector. The Doi Edited by Grant Singleton, Steve Belmain, Peter Brown, and Bill Hardy he recent escalation of world food Moi (renovation policy) in the mid-1980s marked Vietnam’s transition prices—particularly for cereals— from a country suffering from food shortage to one of the largest rice T he impacts of rodents in both prompted mass public indignation and producers in the world. The policy is significant as it granted farmers developing and developed countries demonstrations in many countries. The the right to own land and opened Vietnam’s economy to the free T are legendary. Myths and dogma crisis left important implications for future market. Investment in infrastructure and technology also helped about rodents and their outbreaks government trade and food security policies, further boost the country’s rice production capacity. abound—imbedded in the language as countries re-evaluate their reliance on Since Vietnam developed its rice research and production, the and culture of many societies. In many potentially more volatile world markets to country has been facing challenges of decreasing natural resources, instances, society’s “acceptance” of augment domestic supplies of staple foods. particularly rice land and water, global climate change, and increasing these outbreaks becomes the greatest This book examines how government population. While looking back at the country’s last 50 years of progress, challenge of crop protection specialists or policies caused the crisis and responded to the soaring world prices, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development also gears to further conservation biologists. The reason why particularly that of rice, the world’s most important source of calories improve and consolidate research, development, and agricultural these episodic outbreaks have become for the poor. Comparative case studies of policy reactions in different policies to sustain long-term national food security, make the rice etched in the sociocultural psyche countries, principally across Asia, and including the U.S., provide the economy prosperous, and generate more income for rice farmers. from the sparsely populated uplands of necessary understanding to be able to evaluate the impact of trade This book was officially launched during the Third International Laos to the considerably more affluent policy on the food security of poor farmers and consumers. These Rice Congress held last 8-12 November in Hanoi, Vietnam. View the agricultural lands of Europe is that the impacts are often staggering— studies also provide important insights into the concerns of developing launch at http://snipurl.com/1kdawo. economically, socially, and even politically. countries that are relevant for future international trade negotiations on For information on obtaining a copy of this book, contact the The advent of ecologically based rodent management has key agricultural commodities. As a result, more appropriate policies can Publishing Department, Ministry of Information and Communication stimulated the progress summarized in this book. The contributions be put in place to ensure more stable food supplies in the future. of Vietnam, at http://snipurl.com/1kdb2k.

10 Rice Today January-March 2011 Rice Today January-March 2011 11 1. Dr. Randy Barker, an 1 2 expert on contested waterscapes in the Greater Mekong Basin from Cornell University Rice for future generations (left) engages in a by Mia Aureus and Lanie Reyes fluid conversation with photos by Lanie Reyes and Gene Hettel Chu Thai Hoanh of the International Water Management Institute. 2. Coffee break is a chance IRRI holds its Third International Rice Congress in Hanoi— for scientists to mingle strengthening its commitment to ensure food security for with each other just like Bruce Linquist (left), UC- tomorrow’s generation Davis plant scientist, and Dr. David Johnson, IRRI weed scientist. he International Rice Research “Projected demand for rice will and urbanization that have shrunk the 3. Norman Uphoff of Cor- 3 4 nell University (left) and Institute (IRRI), in partnership outstrip supply in the near to medium area planted with rice, climate change, James Hill (right), former with AsiaCongress, held its Third term unless something is done to plant diseases, poor investments in IRRI agronomist and International Rice Congress reverse the current trends of slow agriculture, inefficient policies, and the currently associate dean, International Programs, (IRC2010)T on 8-12 November at the productivity growth and inefficient, often use of crops for biofuels, among other at UC-Davis, debate the National Convention Center in Hanoi, unsustainable management of natural challenges. System of Rice Intensifi- Vietnam. Attended by more than 1,900 resources,” Dr. Zeigler stressed. For International Fund for cation (SRI). 4. CGIAR Consortium Board participants from more than 66 countries, “By 2050, it is our responsibility Agricultural Development President Chair Carlos Pérez del Cas- the event could not have come at a more to increase global food production by Kanayo Nwanze, the world is now tillo (left) visits with IRRI opportune time as the world once again 70% and to double food production standing at a crossroad. One road leads to Board of Trustees member Tony Fischer. Mr. Pérez faces a fork in the road to ensuring global in developing countries,” Vietnam’s a path of least resistance, through which del Castillo helped launch food security. Minister of Agriculture and Rural people do nothing and risk creating a GRiSP during IRRI’s gala During the opening of the IRC2010, Development Cao Duc Phat said. “This is world replete with poverty, hunger, and 50th birthday celebration and dinner. Dr. Robert Zeigler, IRRI director essential to feed the world’s fast-growing social instability. The other leads to a general, noted that rice remains of utmost population.” path of action, through which people importance to the developing world, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen dare to act now and invest in agricultural especially in Asia, but increasingly in Tan Dung, however, pointed out that and rural research and development Dr. Zeigler said that it is the breakthroughs in rice that aim to provide and investment on the rice business Latin America and Africa, where rice is efforts to increase food security are to create a brighter future in which IRC2010’s hope to bring everyone solutions to problems posed by climate infrastructure (see The rise of rice on the fastest growing food staple. currently threatened by industrialization people can grow healthy and have better together to advance rice science and its change, plant diseases, industrialization pages 16). opportunities and choices in life. application to reduce poverty and hunger, and urbanization, etc., and ultimately All participants were also invited to Aptly themed “Rice for future improve human health and nutrition, and increase yields to meet global demand. the Third International Rice Technology generations,” the IRC2010 signified a create a better environment. Moreover, in conjunction with and Cultural Expo that featured the latest definitive step toward the path of action. The 28th International Rice IRRC28, the first International Rice technologies, equipment, and machinery Both the public and private sector have Research Conference (IRRC28)— Policy and Investment Conference for rice farming, processing, research, rallied their support in pushing for better which was considered the heart of brought members of the rice market and development. investments in agriculture. Through IRC2010—gathered the world’s top rice together to discuss key issues concerning Recognizing Asia’s crucial role Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and scientists to discuss the latest scientific rice trade and the impact of policy in supplying rice to the world—as it Rural Development, the Vietnamese government played a significant role as host for the event—highlighting Vietnam’s success story in pulling the country from a state of poverty after the Vietnam War in the 1950s to 1970s to a flourishing nation that now holds the title of the world’s second-largest rice exporter. Private companies, namely, Bayer, Syngenta, Kubota, Pioneer, and Lindsay Corporation, particularly served as partners of the event.

IRRI Principal Scientist Roland Buresh checks his notes one IRRI’s IRC exhibit more time before a presentation was popular with at IRRC28. visitors. Street signs in Hanoi herald the IRC.

12 Rice Today January-March 2011 Rice Today January-March 2011 13 produces more than 90% of global rice— 1 2 3 Asian ministers and their representatives gathered on 9 November to discuss the recent report titled Never an empty bowl: sustaining food security in Asia (see Asian pushes for sustainable food security on page 17). Finally, IRC2010 also provided the perfect avenue to officially launch the Global Rice Science Partnership Professor and acade- (GRiSP), along with the book Rice in the mician Dao The Tuan, Global Economy: Strategic Research and well-known agricultural- ist in Vietnam and known Policy Issues for Food Security (see book as the “father” of many section on pages 10-11). highly productive rice Dr. Pehu, three key tasks lie ahead: (1) they will be driven to cities in search of GRiSP is a mega-program that varieties (http://snipurl. keep the message of agriculture’s positive other opportunities. If we allow this to 4 com/1nxs5q), checks out embodies the global effort to improve the poster on Vietnam at contribution to poverty reduction, happen, we will be left with no one to rice yields sustainably, lower food prices, IRRI’s IRC exhibit. economic growth, and environmental plow the fields that will feed the future.” and lift millions of people from poverty sustainability—including agriculture’s Yes, the future belongs to the young (see Blueprint for a greener revolution on critical role in combating climate farmers of today. And, it is only apt that pages 18-21). The launch of this program active support from developed countries change—high on the agenda; (2) support the IRC2010 also signifies a renewed marks the beginning of a 5-year, nearly and international organizations,” Prime existing research partnerships and build commitment to young people, to later US$600 million endeavor. While GRiSP Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said. “We new ones in a multipolar world; and pass on to them the torch of knowledge in builds on existing research, development, need coordinated action at regional levels (3) champion innovation that builds on rice science development that will sustain and funding, it requires additional new as well as on a global scale.” differences as a foundation of strength. rice production for future generations. financial support to raise annual funding Dr. Eija Pehu, World Bank Moreover, along with IFAD for rice research from around $100 (WB) adviser for agriculture and President Nwanze, Dr. Pehu stressed the million in 2011 to $139 million in 2015 to rural development, referred to WB need to recognize women’s and youth’s 5 fully realize its potential. President Robert Zoellick’s “inclusive role in breaking the vicious cycle of “With many difficulties and globalization” to emphasize the need for poverty and ensuring food security. challenges still facing food security, nations and people around the world to She said that WB aims to have 75% 1. IFAD President Kanayo Nwanze explains the achieving this goal will require the be more interactive, interconnected, and of agriculture and rural development importance of investing in agricultural and rural effort of every nation, and especially the open in meeting these challenges. For projects benefit women by 2014. research and development. 2. Dr. Eija Pehu, World Bank adviser for agriculture Also, she advised that everyone must and rural development, reminds the delegates be mindful of “how we develop and of women’s and youth’s role in ensuring food encourage the potential of our youth.” security. Sigrid Heuer, IRRI molecular 3. “There is no better example than Vietnam of how biologist, discusses her work IFAD President Nwanze echoed, a vibrant rice sector can serve as the engine of with visitors during one of the “If we do not engage the world’s rural growth for an agrarian society,” says Dr. Robert IRC scientific poster sessions. A man demonstrates how to make youth today—and lay the groundwork for Zeigler, IRRI director general. tò he, an edible Vietnamese toy 4. Mr. Sam Dryden, director of the agricultural fashioned from colored rice dough, profitable rural enterprises tomorrow— development program at the Bill & Melinda Gates during the welcome reception for Foundation, explains why rice will never be just IRC delegates. another commodity at the International Rice Policy and Investment Conference—a new feature IRC2010 videos in the IRC2010 program that highlights the 6 7 importance of sound policy and wise investment for future global food security. 5. Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung acknowledges IRRI’s many scientific achievements and its assistance to and support for his country’s rice production over the past decades. 6. (From left to right) In front row, Dr. Hei Leung, Dr. R.K. Singh, and Dr. Edilberto Redoña; at the http://irri.org/IRC_videos back, Dr. Ken McNally and Dr. Glenn Gregorio, IRRI scientists, and Dr. S.K. Dubey, a scientist at the A set of 45 videos, shot by Gene Hettel, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, convene includes highlights from the opening between sessions to brainstorm on an innovative ceremonies, two book launchings, way of breeding for the rice plant of the future. and selected sessions of the first-ever 7. Dr. Gurdev Khush (left), former IRRI principal International Rice Policy and Investment scientist and 1996 World Food Prize laureate, Conference (IRPIC) and the 28th shares his thoughts with some participants. International Rice Research Conference (IRRC28), both held as part of the Congress. The launching of the Global Rice Science Partnership (GRiSP) is also featured.

14 Rice Today January-March 2011 Rice Today January-March 2011 15 y ciet o S

ia As The rise of ri Asia pushes cby Miae Aureus Rice finds its way back to the top of the agenda as nations for sustainable across the world try to attain food security in the face of an s

e Never an empty bowl video on YouTube: http://youtu.be/HvCBQD3An9g by Robert Hsu

y food security

unpredictable climate and a volatile rice market re

ie n a l Asian leaders gather to chart the including the World Bank, the the rural and urban poor so that they can next steps toward ensuring enough International Fund for Agricultural lead productive lives even in the face r ice will never be just another support prices to encourage more farmers countries. Genetically modified (GM) rice in every bowl Development, the UN Development of significant risks and vulnerabilities; commodity. to plant, and, in some cases, governments rice may also hold potential to safely Programme, and the Asian Development and providing regional public goods for Much of the truth behind this simple such as India were compelled to protect deliver unique rice varieties that cannot Bank, participated in the meeting. sustainable food security in Asia. statement can be derived from the 2008 their stocks by imposing an export be achieved through other breeding he Asia Society and the Participants shared their insights One common theme that emerged rice crisis that shocked the world and ban. Trade restrictions, however, were methods—although currently, no GM International Rice Research into how the task force report fits from the meeting was how Asia’s triggered massive protests in Africa often seen to distort the market and are rice is commercially available. Institute (IRRI) task force report, into their own specific national growing population and economic and parts of Asia. It revealed the fragile therefore not healthy in the long run. Such Moreover, Dr. Thomas Reardon of Never an Empty Bowl: Sustaining and institutional food security development will impact the availability economic state of many families across market shocks, including calamities that Michigan State University pointed out that FoodT Security in Asia, was the focus plans and expressed unanimous of rice for future generations. Participants the world that relied on this staple for daily drastically cut supplies, have brought a increasing yield does not necessarily lie of the Ministerial Roundtable Meeting support for the report’s findings and widely agreed on the need for greater nourishment. Rice, which has dwindled renewed focus on regional rice reserves only in developing new varieties (http:// on rice at the Third International Rice recommendations. All participants investments into strengthening the global in significance after the successes of to serve as a buffer. Plus, the challenge of youtu.be/EXJygMGlSL4). Sometimes, it Congress (IRC2010) in Hanoi, Vietnam, agreed that implementing the four rice economy, particularly in Asia, to the Green Revolution, was suddenly a limited water and energy supply added just simply needs efficient postharvest and on 9 November. major recommendations contained reduce supply vulnerability and prevent catapulted again to a national priority and two more constraints to production; these structural management. Poor postharvest The Ministerial Roundtable Meeting in the report is critical to achieving the emergence of another food crisis like an international imperative—with several resources were previously assumed to be practices can reduce yield by 15–20%. He was chaired by Vietnam’s Minister of food security in the long term and the one that occurred in 2008. new challenges that will test the ability of broadly available during the last Green also noted that moving away from long Agriculture and Rural Development Cao improving access to affordable rice in “There was great enthusiasm for the the world to deliver food for the future. Revolution. This has, in turn, made supply chains can help prevent a large Duc Phat and IRRI Director General Asia and throughout the world. The messages contained in the report and for Speakers at the first-ever International sustainability a recurring theme, as rice amount of rice from being wasted. Citing Robert Zeigler. Representing the Asia report specifically recommended raising the clarity in which they were presented,” Rice Policy and Investment Conference production’s impact on the environment China as an example, he said that 5% of Society at the meeting was Dr. Peter and sustaining the productivity of rice said Dr. Timmer after the Ministerial (IRPIC) covered key issues on rice trade was also considered in assessing policy production is lost in just bringing rice Timmer, the task force’s principal farmers in ways that conserve water, Roundtable Meeting. “The next step and the impact of policy and investment. and investment initiatives. from the farm to the plate. advisor. Officials from 19 countries land, and energy-intensive inputs, while is for participating officials to take This conference, organized in conjunction (Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, also building resilience to the expected the report back to their countries (and with the 28th International Rice Research Increasing yield is the key Strength in policy and investment China, Egypt, France, India, Indonesia, impacts of climate change; improving institutions) and use it as a framework Conference during the International Rice According to IRRI, the key to building To be able to obtain the necessary Iran, Iraq, Italy, Laos, Malaysia, the environment for rural development, to help analyze and formulate their own Congress 2010 held in Hanoi, Vietnam, the global rice supply lies in improving technologies, the rice sector calls for Myanmar, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, including farm and nonfarm activities food security policies.” 8-12 November, highlighted rice’s yield. In his outlook for 2020 and 2035, better policies and more investments. The Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam; locally, nationally, and regionally, with importance in both achieving food security Dr. Mohanty noted that, in order for Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has written statements provided by Brunei renewed attention to how to stabilize and reducing poverty. the supply to keep up with the growing recognized the strength that lies behind Darussalam and Singapore) and seven domestic food economies; providing Mr. Hsu is a senior program officer for Considering that half of the world demand, the world needs to produce an these two factors, and it has already international and aid organizations, safety nets and more nutritious foods to policy studies at the Asia Society. depends on rice, any tip in the balance of additional 84 million tons of paddy in put its financial support behind IRRI’s global rice production can cause ripple the next 10 years. This requires a 1.5% initiatives—most recently, the Global Rice effects in the market that eventually increase in yield every year compared Science Partnership (see Blueprint for a hit poor farmers and consumers. Dr. with the current 0.8%. Dr. Mohanty added greener revolution on pages 18-21). Prahbu Samarendu Mohanty, head of the that, by 2035, without yield improvements, Pingali, deputy director of agricultural International Rice Research Institute’s land available to rice must expand by development at the Foundation, said that (IRRI) Social Sciences Division and IRPIC much more so as to produce the additional the Foundation believes that everyone organizer (photo above), pointed out 116 million tons that will be needed to should have a healthy, productive life, and that, over the past 2 years, many nations keep the world sufficiently fed. But, little IRRI’s innovative research is recognized have moved toward food security by land is now available for expansion. as a vital tool that will catalyze a shift attaining rice self-sufficiency. Nations have IRRI’s main thrust is to use toward this vision. While investments awakened to the truth that the agricultural innovative technology to develop new start to come in, governments are further sector demands as much attention as any varieties that can provide better yield encouraged to do their fair share to other sector in the economic development and thrive during drought, flooding, and implement more efficient policies that will process; hence, efforts to expand domestic salinity, among other extreme conditions. sustain the development of these programs production by increasing yield and Marker-assisted breeding for the benefit of the present and future providing better input subsidies have and hybridization are two modern generations. mushroomed in most countries. technologies that have been used to Nations also saw a need to build their develop new rice varieties that have See selected IRPIC video clips on domestic stocks by increasing minimum been adopted in major rice-growing YouTube at http://irri.org/IRPIC_videos.

16 Rice Today January-March 2011 Rice Today January-March 2011 17 Blueprint for a greener revolution by Achim Dobermann a n ta n

GRiSP is an innovative and holistic work plan that seeks to improve international i All about rice partnerships in rice research, its delivery, and impact qu s The overarching organizing principle of chri the partnership is rice-based production systems and value chains (the “from field to market principle”). All research “One finger cannot lift a pebble,” where GRiSP was formally launched. to 160 million hectares. The challenge will use an interdisciplinary approach says an African proverb. “International agricultural research is to reverse the current trends of slow in which targeting and prioritizing The significance of working together has continuously played a key role productivity growth and inefficient, often are based on a clear understanding of cannot be overemphasized—especially in helping increase the world’s food unsustainable management of natural the different targeted environments, now, when the road to attaining food production.” resources. The 2008 rice crisis is a management systems, and market security and poverty alleviation As the first CRP to be approved, grim reminder that steep and long-term segments. On the one hand, this will need is riddled with challenges such as GRiSP illustrates rice’s importance as price increases could wreak havoc on a broad range of scientific, or upstream, decreasing agricultural lands, depleting a staple food for the world’s growing the lives of people and send dangerous partners to seek out innovations and, on natural resources, looming climate population. For every 1 billion people tremors across the political and economic the other hand, many partnerships at the change, diseases, and poor investment added to the world’s population, 100 landscapes in the world’s most populous Salinity-tolerant lines developed by Dr. Glenn Gregorio, IRRI plant grass-roots level for both dissemination in agriculture. It is for this reason million tons of rice (paddy) need to be regions. breeder, and his team are designed to help farmers who are affected and feedback. The result will be that the International Rice Research produced each year—with less land, by salinity, particularly in areas susceptible to sea-level rise. accelerated development of international Institute (IRRI), the Africa Rice Center less water, and less labor, in more eco- panelists during discussion on GRiSP: (1) Alain public goods across the whole rice sector. Ghesquière, head of IRD Genome and Development Research (AfricaRice), the International Center for efficient production systems that are Unit; (2) Achim Dobermann, IRRI deputy director general Based on these considerations and for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), and many more resilient to climate change and that for research; (3) Marco Wopereis, AfricaRice deputy director How rice is currently grown must and value for the poor in the context of effective management of the research general and director of research for development; (4) Carlos other organizations have come together also contribute less to greenhouse gas Pérez del Castillo, chair of CGIAR Consortium board; be changed. Traditional rice systems a changing climate through accelerated and development process, the program to design an innovative solution anchored emissions. (5) César Martínez, CIAT rice program leader; and (6) Robert have high environmental footprints that demand-driven development of improved components are structured into six major Habib, head of CIRAD Department of Tropical Production and on partnerships. Aptly named the Global Experts project that demand for Processing Systems. range from water to carbon footprints. varieties and other technologies along the rice research and development themes: (1) Rice Science Partnership (GRiSP), this rice will continue to increase and will Thus, rice needs to be produced with value chain; (2) to foster more sustainable harnessing genetic diversity to chart new “mega” program aims to help billions exceed supply in the near future. They less tillage, less labor, less pesticide, rice-based production systems that productivity, quality, and health horizons; s (6) s e of people around the world who largely say that an additional 8 million tons of y with generally more efficient use of use natural resources more efficiently, (2) accelerating the development, re

ie

depend on rice as their daily source of rough rice need to be produced each n inputs such as nutrients and water, are adapted to climate change and are delivery, and adoption of improved rice a nourishment. year for the next 10 years. Unfortunately, l and with increased resilience to cope ecologically resilient, and have reduced varieties; (3) ecological and sustainable the area planted to rice can no longer with climate change. Across the world, environmental externalities; and (3) management of rice-based production A global blueprint expand beyond the currently used 155 rice will have to tolerate extreme to improve the efficiency and equity systems; (4) extracting more value from GRiSP represents—for the first time temperatures and survive droughts, of the rice sector through better and rice harvests through improved quality, ever—a single strategic blueprint for floods, and salinity. The delta regions, more accessible information, improved processing, market systems, and new global rice research and how it can from which much recent gain in agricultural development and research products; (5) technology evaluations, contribute more effectively to solving production comes, will be particularly policies, and strengthened delivery targeting, and policy options for development challenges at the local, susceptible to rises in sea levels and mechanisms. enhanced impact; and (6) supporting the national, and regional levels. It is a stronger tropical storms. growth of the global rice sector. Consultative Group on International Breaking the poverty cycle Agricultural Research (CGIAR) In harmony with the CGIAR To achieve its goals, GRiSP plans to A business-like approach Research Program (CRP) under the The mission of GRiSP is synchronized foster high-quality, impact-oriented GRiSP will be viewed through a business theme “sustainable crop productivity with that of the CGIAR, that is, to research and development activities in perspective in terms of the structure and for global food security.” It streamlines 1 2 3 reduce poverty and hunger, improve a global context. Strategically, the key implementation of its research agenda. current research for development of the human health and nutrition, reduce point for farmers to enter into a virtuous For example, the socioeconomic and CGIAR. the environmental footprint, and circle is to raise the productivity and biophysical factors that drive farmers, “The development of GRiSP has enhance ecosystem resilience of rice resource efficiency of rice production agribusinesses, small entrepreneurs, given a great impulse to the reform production systems through high-quality systems to unprecedented levels (see Fig. consumers, and many other actors in agenda of the CGIAR,” said Dr. Carlos international rice research, partnership, 1). Better income will enable farmers the value chain will be thoroughly Pérez del Castillo, chair of the CGIAR and leadership. to invest more in diversification and understood through research. This will Board, during the Third International In harmony with the CGIAR’s sustainable management practices— provide innovative tools and information Rice Congress (IRC2010) held in objectives, GRiSP laid out three specific improving their food security, nutrition, needed for evidence-based targeting in 4 5 6 Hanoi, Vietnam, last 8-12 November, aims: (1) to increase rice productivity health, and the environment. GRiSP research and development themes

18 Rice Today January-March 2011 Rice Today January-March 2011 19 a n a

his perspective on GRiSP during the m iri g i

IRC2010. b

He explained CIAT’s initial eph os connection with Asia that dates back to j 1967. At that time, Dr. Peter Jennings, an IRRI plant breeder, shared with them IRRI varieties, which, according to him marked the Green Revolution in Latin America. But, with this reconnection through GRiSP, he mentioned some benefits such as sharing rice technologies and germplasm, and improving capacity building for Latin America. As an evolving partnership, GRiSP will be led by IRRI, which also oversees the activities in Asia. It is supported by AfricaRice, which leads the work in Africa, and CIAT in the Latin America & Rice farmers will benefit from GRiSP through sharing of germplasm, technologies, and institutional capacity Caribbean region. Other internationally- among hundreds of partner institutions. operating research organizations such as the French Agricultural Research Fig. 1. Enabling farmers to enter a virtuous circle is the core goal of GRiSP. Centre for International Development (CIRAD), French Research Institute Aside from strengthening existing (CIMMYT), International Food Policy Over a global 25-year inflation- for Development (IRD), and Japan partnerships, GRiSP also provides new Research Institute (IFPRI), International adjusted investment of roughly $3 that focus on the development of new It is also worthy to mention that International Research Center for opportunities for partnerships in research Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), billion, or for every $20 of investment, products, their adaptation, and adoption. gender is inherent in GRiSP’s objectives, Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) will play and development, bringing together International Water Management one person is lifted above poverty—an Plus, some feedback on adoption and themes. And, capacity building in a strategic role in GRiSP. its key players and stakeholders such Institute (IWMI)—to name just a efficient development investment that has patterns, constraints, and true impact can both rice science and extension is fully Since partnerships are the main as advanced research institutes and few—will be involved in GRiSP- a high return in poverty eradication. be usefully gleaned through this. integrated to ensure adequate skilled drivers for reaching its vision, GRiSP universities; national research, education, related projects and activities, including For the past 50 years, countries such “GRiSP will allow us to be more personnel for future rice development. serves as the umbrella to strengthen and and extension systems; CGIAR centers; regional and national initiatives that cut as Thailand and Vietnam, among others, effective and efficient in creating impacts expand partnerships. At present, the six the private sector; and civil society across different CRPs and systemwide have been transformed into leaders in even with huge challenges,” said Marco An evolving alliance international centers and organizations organizations, among others (see Fig. 2). programs such as the Generation the rice industry—a metamorphosis Wopereis, AfricaRice deputy director “Through GRiSP, CIAT will be in GRiSP (IRRI, AfricaRice, CIAT, National rice research and development Challenge Program. that could not have occurred without a general. “But, we can guarantee faster reconnected with the rice community in JIRCAS, CIRAD, and IRD) have about systems such as those of China, India, revolution in rice cultivation. Now, with results only if we know what we are Asia and Africa,” said César Martínez, 900 research and development partners Japan, and Brazil will also significantly Vision of success GRiSP’s concretely laid-out vision of doing, where and when, and with whom.” CIAT rice program leader, giving worldwide. contribute to GRiSP by connecting GRiSP has a clear view of what it success, innovative and holistic approach, their national research programs with wants to see in the future. It laid out and the concerted efforts of hundreds of GRiSP’s global themes. GRiSP will concrete and quantifiable key impacts institutions that share a similar vision, expand its partnerships with civil society to benefit the poor, the hungry, and the the future will continue to make a organizations such as nongovernment environment in the next 25 years. difference in the lives of the poor around organizations and farmers’ associations, By 2035, those living under the the world. among other groups. Partnership with the US$1.25 (PPP) poverty line will reduce Dr. Robert Zeigler, IRRI director private sector is also an integral part of their expenditures by $11 billion general, hopes that, “Through GRiSP, GRiSP. annually (holding consumption constant). we can advance rice science and its Furthermore, GRiSP will be linked Spending less while gaining more income application to reduce poverty and hunger, in various ways with other CRPs. would mean that 150 million people improve human health and nutrition, and Through its own activities and through would be lifted above the $1.25 poverty create a better environment.” collaborative projects, co-investment line, reducing global poverty by 11%. from or in other CGIAR Research As rice becomes more available Notes: The full GRiSP document can be Programs, and active participation and its price goes down, 62 million downloaded through http://irri.org/our- by IRRI, AfricaRice, and CIAT undernourished people would be able science/global-rice-science-partnership- and their partners in other CGIAR to consume sufficient calories per day grisp. See http://snipurl.com/1orsvy for Research Programs, GRiSP will be in Asia—thus reducing the number of selected YouTube video clips of the GRiSP fully integrated in the Strategy and hungry Asians by 12%. discussion at IRC2010. Results Framework of the CGIAR For the environment, nearly 1 Consortium. Several other CGIAR billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent centers such as the International emissions will stay clear of Earth’s Dr. Dobermann is the deputy director Fig. 2. Current partners and their roles in GRiSP. Maize and Wheat Improvement Center atmosphere. general for research at IRRI.

20 Rice Today January-March 2011 Rice Today January-March 2011 21 Nel Garcia, Arnel Rala, and Murali Krishna gumma Country highlight: Indian farmers harvested rice on million hectares Research Station (CRURRS) and IRRI 44,100,000 hectares across the country in 2009. (40% of India’s 44 (see Making rice less thirsty on pages 12- million hectares of 15 of Rice Today Vol. 8, No. 3). Sahbhagi IRRI in India harvested rice area), dhan can survive without water for 10–12 faces problems days and has a yield advantage of 0.8 to caused by flooding 1 ton per hectare when drought occurs. Compiled by Paula Bianca Ferrer and drought. Farmers who have tried the variety say When rainfed rice that it is very helpful in maintaining rice research began in production despite dry spells. 1992, India was uring the 1943 Bengal and training. recognized as a key Training and information exchange famine, 3 to 4 million This paved partner. It had one More than 1,000 Indian researchers have people died because of the way for the rice research center participated in education and training Dwidespread starvation. Since two institutions for rainfed upland, programs at IRRI. Hundreds of Indian then, food security has been an important to sign work plans every 4 two for flood- scientists have participated in IRRI’s concern for India. For many years, the years, reviewing the progress Rice area prone areas, and conferences, workshops, and monitoring country had to sustain itself largely of research and identifying hybrid rice through a national network five for rainfed lowland, along with two tours over the years and have helped through imports. Moreover, it faced opportunities and areas in project funded by the United Nations other main rice research centers. Under disseminate rice knowledge. another dilemma when the population which both could collaborate. India: fast facts (2009) Development Programme, the Asian the upland and lowland rice research grew further. The introduction of newly The synergy in their partnership Population: 1.2 billion Development Bank, and the World Bank. consortia, mechanisms for tolerance Toward the future 1 developed semidwarf rice varieties in resulted in advancements in Total land area: 2.9 million sq km NARES researchers’ concerted efforts, of submergence and drought were India will be one of the most important Average rice yield: 3.0 tons per hectare the 1960s helped India overcome such the development of disease- and Total rice production: 131.3 million tons2 technical backstopping, access to IRRI’s explained and tested under the All India partner countries for the Global Rice challenges to its food security, allowing insect-resistant varieties suited Area planted to rice: 44.1 million hectares2 genetic materials, and generous funding Coordinated Trials and rice genetic Science Partnership (GRiSP). At present,

the country to achieve rice-sufficiency to various rice environments, the 1 from donors allowed India to become the materials were screened and selected. some 170 partnerships exist between IRRI CIA World Factbook and even become one of the major rice- development and release of public- 2FAOSTAT second country in the world, after China, Through ICAR and IRRI’s close and Indian institutions and organizations. producing countries today. and private-bred hybrid rice varieties, to commercialize hybrid rice. The first collaboration, SUB1—the gene that This includes over 40 research institutions The semidwarf modern varieties streamlining of rice production had been either released as varieties for set of hybrids was released in 1994 and, confers tolerance of submergence—was belonging to the ICAR system, enabled India to substantially increase practices for improved sustainability commercial cultivation in India or used by 2010, 43 hybrids had been released in successfully introduced to high-yielding universities, and others. ICAR will act as its rice production without considerably and productivity, and increased training in Indian breeding programs through the country (see Hybridizing the world and popular Indian rice variety Swarna, a nodal point for GRiSP research activities increasing the area for this production. and information exchange with Indian the International Network for Genetic on pages 32-35 of Rice Today Vol. 9, which later led to the development of in India. Science capacity, including Many recent modern rice varieties can be researchers. ICAR and IRRI have been Evaluation of Rice (INGER). No. 4). More than 70% of these hybrids Swarna-Sub1 (see Scuba rice on pages scholarships, internships, and short traced back to the original semidwarf rice working together since 2009 on 37 major have either one or both parents bred at 26-31 of Rice Today Vol. 8, No. 2). courses, will also be a major component of variety IR8, also known as “miracle rice,” initiatives that include projects such as Hybrid rice IRRI. Because of the effective use of rice Swarna-Sub1 can produce 3–3.5 tons GRiSP–India collaboration. which was developed by the International Stress-Tolerant Rice for Poor Farmers For hybrid rice research, India and IRRI’s breeding materials, hybrid rice has been per hectare of rice even if it has been IRRI and India promise to work Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and of Africa and South Asia (STRASA), collaboration began in 1980. IRRI’s developed and disseminated rapidly in submerged under water for up to 2 weeks. together in the next 10 years—and even released in India in the 1960s. A miracle the Cereal Systems Initiative for South generous supply of hybrid rice breeding India. Today, hybrid rice occupies about This variety has already been released beyond—on areas of mutual relevance,

indeed: the country’s rice production Asia (CSISA), and C4 rice. More than materials and its training support for 1.4 million hectares in the country and is for commercial cultivation in the Indian in which good science and collaboration jumped from 31 million tons in 1950 to 80 institutes and organizations in India its partners in the national agricultural poised for significant growth. states of Orissa and Uttar Pradesh. will make significant strides. India, 111 million tons by 1990. By 2009, India collaborate with IRRI in various areas of research and extension systems (NARES) Sahbhagi dhan, a drought-tolerant with its diverse rice ecologies and large produced 131 million tons of rice.1 rice research. on hybrid rice technology laid a strong Rice production and management rice variety, is also another innovation capacity in scientific human resources, foundation for hybrid rice research Collaborative research between India and resulting from close collaboration between will continue to play a key role in IRRI’s India-IRRI partnership Conservation and exchange of rice in India. By 1989, the country had IRRI has greatly helped in streamlining the Central Rainfed and Upland Rice agenda. India is interested in partnering

IRRI began its partnership with genetic materials developed a systematic, goal-oriented, rice production practices to make rice on initiatives that include C4 rice. Other India through the Indian Council for India has contributed 15,865 types of rice and time-bound research program on production not only profitable but also areas in which India and IRRI will Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 1967. to the International Rice Genebank at sustainable and environment-friendly. “IRRI and India have been strategic be working together are innovative Indian scientists from the two main IRRI, some of which have provided traits Some of these practices are resource- public-private partnerships to deliver “The IRRI-India collaboration is a partners improving the productivity rice research centers of ICAR—the such as grassy stunt virus resistance from conserving technologies (laser-aided land of Indian rice-based systems ever technologies to farmers through CSISA Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI) central Indian rice species Oryza nivara, success story. Through germplasm leveling, zero or minimum tillage, drill and rice varieties improved against in Cuttack and the Directorate of Rice which is useful in developing varieties exchange, hybrid rice development, and drum seeding, nitrogen fertilizer since IRRI was established in 1960. drought, submergence, and salinity Research (DRR) in Hyderabad— that are resistant to submergence, salinity, and capacity building, it helped management using a leaf color chart), We see India as a very important for farmers in rainfed areas through regularly visited IRRI. In 1974, directors pests, and diseases. In turn, IRRI gives India enhance its rice production and integrated weed management practices participant in the new Global Rice STRASA. IRRI foresees that, in the next Science Partnership (GRiSP) that general M.S. Swaminathan and Nyle C. Indian scientists access to its store of boosted the country’s productivity.” for direct-seeded rice, and integrated 2 years, more stress-tolerant rice varieties Brady of ICAR and IRRI, respectively, genetic materials, as well as those from crop management practices. was recently approved as the first that include not only submergence signed the first memorandum of other countries, for crop improvement. Up Dr. B.C. Viraktamath, DRR project director ‘mega-program’ in the CGIAR reform and drought tolerance but also salinity understanding for cooperation in research to 2010, more than 400 IRRI-bred lines The rainfed, lowland, and upland rice process.” tolerance will be released in India. research consortia Rice cultivation in rainfed lowland Dr. Robert Zeigler, IRRI director general 1 Statistics on rice production in 1950-60 are sourced from www.indiastat.com while those from 1961 to 2009 are from FAOSTAT. and upland areas, which is about 18 Ms. Ferrer is a writer at IRRI.

22 Rice Today January-March 2011 Rice Today January-March 2011 23 Maps % % Rice yield trends in Asia over the past 50 years 100 100 Irrigated Rainfed by Kenneth Bruskiewicz, Arnel Rala, Lorena Villano, and Andrew Nelson 90 90 80 80 70 70 or the past 50 years, rice yield were almost uniformly low. In the 2000s, yield. But, for yield stability, this is less 60 60 in Asia has generally increased however, these colors turned to lighter of an issue. Stability from year to year is 50 50 from year to year. However, when green and blue as yield clearly increased. likely to be more related to other factors we look at stability, the numbers Some regions, though, have stubbornly that also vary from year to year, such as 40 40 reflectF variations in annual yield. The two low interannual stability (darker shades) drought, flooding, and pest and disease 30 30 maps below represent average rice yield in yield, and hence in production. outbreaks. 20 20 and its stability during the 1960s (bottom The graphs on the right show the left) and the 2000s (bottom right). A percentage of rice area in Asia in the 10 10 bivariate legend represents both these 2000s that is cultivated under irrigated Mr. Bruskiewicz is a student at Brent 0 0 factors in each map. As yield increases, or rainfed conditions. We calculated International School. He is in his <2 2–4 >4 Low Medium High the color changes from brown to green, these percentages for regions where the graduating year and was a trainee Average yield (t/ha) Yield stability and then blue. Meanwhile, an increase in average yield was below 2, between 2 and at the IRRI Geographic Information Percentage of rice area under irrigated and rainfed conditions in the 2000s. stability is represented by the transition 4, and above 4 tons per hectare (right) Systems (GIS) lab. Mr. Rala is an of colors from dark to lighter shades. and for regions where yield stability was associate scientist, while Ms. Villano The maps show the variation in rice either low, medium, or high (far right). is a researcher in GIS, Social Sciences yield trends across Asia. In the 1960s, The presence of irrigation explains Division. Dr. Nelson is a geographer in the darker brown and green shades much of the spatial pattern in average GIS. dominated since yield and yield stability yield—more irrigated area means higher

1960s 2000s

Stability

High

Med

Low <2 2–4 >4 Yield (t/ha)

24 Rice Today January-March 2011 Rice Today January-March 2011 25 Greener rice by Jauhar Ali and Alaric Francis Santiaguel

Green Super Rice for the Resource-Poor of Africa and Asia aims for environmental breakthroughs in agriculture with rice varieties that are more robust, high-yielding, and disease-resistant, yet thrive with less water, fertilizer, and pesticide

ears of food shortages and society at the University following the rice crisis of Essex in Colchester, in 2007 and 2008 have England, as well as author of prompted a dramatic several books on agricultural shiftF in global trade and in sustainability. economic and food security Commercial fertilizer to policies. Nations have put more provide nutrients can be an focus now on agriculture—a additional cost to farmers if situation somewhat reminiscent not used strategically such as of the events that led to the through site-specific nutrient Green Revolution. management (SSNM). A cornerstone of the During the Green Green Revolution was the Revolution, global use of new varieties of cereal crops pesticides rapidly increased to developed through the efforts protect crops. But, excessive of Norman Borlaug, the father and indiscriminate pesticide of the Green Revolution. One use can adversely affect of those varieties is IR8 rice, ecosystems and human health. also known as “miracle rice,” Dr. Jauhar Ali, IRRI plant breeder and Green Super developed 40 years ago at the Rice (GSR) project coordinator for Asia, shows that Endangered water GSR varieties perform well under low-input and poor International Rice Research environmental conditions while their yields remain Agricultural irrigation, another Institute (IRRI). When grown comparable with those of other varieties grown leg on which the revolution with irrigation and nitrogen- under optimal circumstances. stands, has also come under rich fertilizers, IR8 produced institute development and research rice fire. Many experts believe more grains than traditional that the global water supply varieties. IR8 changed the world food is dwindling fast. Additional pressure situation according to Tom Hargrove, a varieties, but they require more nutrients from climate change, population former communicator at IRRI. Indeed, in order to achieve their maximum growth, pollution, and higher industrial the looming famines did not materialize yield potential. But, the heavy use of requirements is also contributing to a since miracle rice was introduced, as chemical fertilizers can place a toll on possible massive water crisis. well as other food varieties (see Breeding the environment. Some 30–80% of the It is estimated that rice uses 30% history on pages 34-38 of Rice Today Vol. nitrogen applied to farmland escapes and of the fresh water for crops worldwide. 5, No. 4). enters water systems and the atmosphere In Asia, more than 80% of developed and increases the incidence of some freshwater resources are used for The high price of a miracle disease vectors1 according to a paper irrigating rice. However, in 2025, it is Modern rice varieties can yield written by Jules Pretty, professor and estimated that 15–20 million hectares significantly more than traditional rice pro-vice-chancellor of environment of irrigated rice will suffer from some

1 Pretty J. 2006. Agroecological approaches to agricultural development. Paper contribution to the preparation of the World Development Report 2008, “Agriculture for Development.” 35 p.

Rice Today January-March 2011 27 degree of water scarcity (see Every drop networks for complex traits, which Doing more with less Network for the Genetic Evaluation of seed agents have already been trained counts on pages 17-18 of Rice Today, otherwise are incomplete in both parents. Rather than focusing on developing Rice. These “finished products” include through the project on how GSR varieties Vol. 8, No. 3). It is therefore critical that (2) ali jauhar Promising transgressive lines are one variety for all, GSR can be custom- GSR materials that are drought-tolerant can meet the needs of farmers from the we use our water resources wisely and carefully pyramided for their nonallelic made to fit any target ecosystem. For and suitable for rainfed lowlands, and target sites. efficiently. QTLs (or genes located at different loci example, GSR varieties can grow rapidly inbreds and hybrids with multiple disease To ensure that farmers will have on the same chromosome or on different to compete strongly with weeds. Because and insect pest resistance. GSR-IRRI also a sufficient and steady source of GSR An environment-friendly revolution chromosomes altogether) derived from they establish themselves much faster than released drought-tolerant, salinity-tolerant, materials, the project has provided Can the world survive without the different donors for a given complex trait the weeds, herbicide—a luxury for poor submergence-tolerant, and high-yielding training to small- and medium-sized intensified agricultural practices such as drought tolerance into popular farmers—becomes unnecessary. These varieties suitable for irrigated conditions. private companies in Bangladesh, espoused by the Green Revolution? Can varieties such as IR64, Huang Hua Zhan, weed-tolerant GSR varieties performed The GSR project also promotes Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and agriculture continue to feed the world BR11, and BG300, to name just a few. well in field trials in Bangladesh and are environment-friendly production Pakistan. with fewer trade-offs? now undergoing further testing. technology such as SSNM (see Extension The key is sustainable agricultural A new approach to standard Furthermore, the project has also goes mobile on pages 29-30 of Rice Sowing greener alternatives systems, which means producing more breeding technology identified drought-tolerant GSR lines with Today Vol. 9, No. 4) and integrated crop In recent years, rice scientists have been output from the same area of land while Dr. Zhikang Li, IRRI molecular geneticist and head In the past, breeders at IRRI used only IR64 as the recurrent parent. For example, management (ICM) to go with GSR forced to face the additional challenge of of the GSR project, believes it is possible to combine contributing to the maintenance of sustainable food production and environmental three recurrent parents, IR64, Teqing, IR83142-B-19-B, a GSR line, performs varieties. SSNM provides information balancing food security with preserving clean water, carbon sequestration, flood preservation through GSR varieties. and IR68552-55-3-2, a new plant type better than Sahbhagi dhan under based on simple observations that natural resources and protecting the protection, groundwater recharge, and variety backcrossed with 205 donor drought and zero-input (which means no enable rice farmers to tailor nutrient environment. For IRRI, the key is a doubly landscape amenity value, said Prof. Pretty. parents. However, the GSR concept, fertilizers and no pesticides, and only one management to specific field conditions green revolution: the development and Green Super Rice (GSR) for the rice varieties in the world due to its high which was well received and expanded manual weeding) conditions. (See Making and optimally supply rice with essential diffusion of conventional environment- Resource-Poor of Africa and Asia, a yield. But, this variety is significantly in China under the China National Rice rice less thirsty on pages 12-15 of Rice nutrients at the right time (see Balancing friendly agricultural practices and collaborative project between IRRI and affected by drought. Through the GSR Molecular Breeding Network, uses 46 Today Vol. 8, No. 3.) fertilizer use and profit on page 38 innovative varieties such as GSR. the Chinese Academy of Agricultural project, plant breeders have developed recurrent parents. Crosses were made of Rice Today Vol. 7, No. 1). ICM is “I strongly believe that, through Sciences (CAAS), offers a sustainable rice plants that are drought-tolerant but with 500 donors, resulting in a bigger Re-packaging agriculture a crop production system based on a GSR technology, it is possible to realize way of producing food for the growing still have the desirable traits of IR64. pool of available genes—each of which In 2009, field trials conducted in good understanding of the interactions the highly efficient use of germplasm population. Funded by the Bill & After 12 years of rigorous breeding, has also been submitted for complete Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, between biology, environment, and land resources while promoting sustainable Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), the GSR researchers learned that by genome re-sequencing to further Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and management. It aims to ensure food agricultural development and protecting project aims to develop rice varieties subjecting a large number of backcrossed strengthen the molecular breeding efforts China showed several GSR varieties with production that conserves and even the environment for future generations,” that retain their stable, sustainable second-generation lines (BC2F2) and of the GSR project. different promising traits. Seeds of 56 enhances natural resources. Dr. Li said. yield potential even when grown with their succeeding generations to biotic At least 18 institutions and 125 GSR varieties with multiple resistance Prof. Pretty agrees. Productive fewer inputs or under unfavorable and abiotic stresses, they could eliminate molecular breeders are currently involved to rice blast, rice planthoppers, and gall Spreading GSR and sustainable agricultural systems environmental conditions. weak lines and identify promising in this project. Each participating midge were distributed to the GSR trial The GSR project has held several make the best of crop varieties and transgressive segregants, which are lines organization in China and IRRI is countries for more thorough evaluation. discussions with policymakers and their agroecological and agronomic Green super rice that exceed the performance range of working with one or two recurrent parents Some 106 GSR varieties are now researchers, and training courses and management, he said. “This new Headed by Zhikang Li, IRRI molecular their parents under extreme conditions. and each one is subjecting all of its ready for seed exchange and germplasm workshops that focus on the technology. initiative from IRRI on GSR is welcome geneticist who is based at CAAS, the They uncovered that this is due to advanced backcross breeding populations distribution through the International In Sri Lanka, for example, extension and as it fits these conditions and needs.” GSR project’s breeding technology excellent complementation of genetic to insect pests such as planthoppers; radically departs from the diseases such as rice blast, original approach of the bacterial leaf blight, bacterial Green Revolution, in which leaf streak, sheath blight, and everything else took a back tungro; and abiotic stresses seat to higher yield. Because such as drought, salinity, modern varieties have been and flooding, among other bred to respond to the best environmental conditions possible field conditions, that limit rice production. they do not reach their In addition to the maximum yield potential BMGF funding, the Chinese when nutrients, pest government invested more management, and water are than US$20 million to give not optimal. For example, Green Super Rice varieties growing at the National Agriculture and researchers the financial IR64, developed at IRRI and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) in Laos are farmer- as well as muscle to develop and environment-friendly because they require less use of expensive released in 1985, became agrochemical inputs. deliver the needed GSR nstitute one of the most popular products to Asia and Africa. I esearch esearch R ice ice R To promote and encourage adoption of the GSR concept, the GSR project held several discussions with policy- makers and researchers, and training courses and workshops on GSR technology in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Sri 2 McKinsey & Company. 2009. Charting our water future. USA: The 2030 Water Resources Group. 185 p. Lanka, Vietnam, and Pakistan. 3 Clay J. 2004. World agriculture and the environment: a commodity-by-commodity guide to impacts and practices. Washington, D.C. (USA): Island Press. 570 p. Bangladesh

28 Rice Today January-March 2011 Rice Today January-March 2011 29 obituary

cross between Yukara, a japonica variety, For all its strength, however, the Tong- What’s cooking? and indica variety T(N)1. The first- Il had major weaknesses. The variety was generation (F1) plants were designated susceptible to rice blast and was not cold as IR568. The following year, he made a tolerant (see Grappling with cold on pages three-way cross using IR8 (as the female 20-23 of Rice Today Vol. 9, No. 1). In 1980,

parent) and IR568. The resulting F1 a cold snap and an outbreak of the disease hybrids were named IR667. Dr. Heu and created such havoc in rice production that Sakkarai PongalA tasty Tamil confection a team of scientists from Korea’s Rural it caused a large shortage. The Tong-Il Development Administration (RDA) grew variety finally disappeared in 1993 after the

the second-generation (F2) progenies and Korean government ended its program of made pedigree selections for advancing purchasing rice from farmers and started Mun-Hue Heu generations at IRRI. Through the IRRI- recommending other rice varieties. Tong-Il aseema Banu, spouse of Dr. Jauhar RDA shuttle breeding program, the is now “just a memory,” someone once Ali, a scientist in the Plant Breeding, Father of the Korean selected progenies were advanced through remarked. But, it certainly did not diminish

chris quintana chris Genetics, and Biotechnology Division the F7 generation. The resulting breeding Dr. Heu’s place in his country’s recent at the International Rice Research Green Revolution line, IR667-98-1-2-213-1, was released in history. NInstitute, and a pharmacist herself (she is a life Korea as “Tong-Il” in 1973. The development of Tong-Il rice member of the Indian Council of Pharmacy), makes by Kshirod K. Jena The variety, also known as Korea’s was named as one of the most important this scrumptious snack for family and guests. miracle rice, was short, sturdy, and scientific achievements in the 20th “Pongal,” she says, “is a harvest festival widely resistant to many pests and diseases. Its century in South Korea by Chosun Ilbo, celebrated by Tamil farmers in the Indian state of et’s increase food production yield potential of 5.13 tons per hectare one of the country’s highly respected Tamil Nadu and also in Sri Lanka to give thanks without letting land stand was 28% higher than that of the japonica newspapers. More importantly, Dr. Heu idle,” Park Chung-Hee, then variety that was widely cultivated helped put rice on the table at a time to the sun god for the abundance of their harvest.” president of the Republic at that time. It was initially released when the Korean people didn’t know Pongal, which also marks the first day of Tamizh on “L of Korea (South Korea), challenged his commercially in 1973, followed by other where their next meal would come from. the Tamil calendar, means “boiling or spilling over” people in 1961. Following the devastations Tong-Il-type varieties that led to Korea’s He also demonstrated the power of in the Tamil language. The expression refers to the of the Korean War, the president Green Revolution. plant breeding and unlocked the wide preparation of Pongal rice, a porridge dish unique rallied the country to fight yet another President Park Chung-Hee strongly possibilities for the development of to Tamil cuisine and traditionally prepared for the battle—against widespread hunger and supported Tong-Il rice and predicted that modern rice varieties. harvest festival. malnutrition. Instead of guns and bullets, South Korea would be self-sufficient in “Successful cultivation of Tong-Il- According to the ritual, rice is boiled with milk he aimed to increase its rice production. rice by 1976 if all rice farmers adopted the type rice set new milestones for future and other ingredients in a new clay pot over an And, at the forefront of this war was not variety and new production technologies. improvement of rice varieties in Korea open fire. The milk is allowed to boil and spill over a highly decorated military general but a The high yield of Tong-Il-type varieties and also offered practical opportunities scientist named Mun-Hue Heu. helped boost rice production in the to use indica germplasm in temperate the pot to symbolize overflowing abundance and Dr. Heu was a remarkable plant country by as much as 40%. By 1979, countries,”1 Dr. Heu wrote. future prosperity for the family. breeder who demonstrated great skills, Tong-Il-type varieties had increased Dr. Heu passed away on 24 dedication, and passion for his work. He milled rice production from 3.9 tons per November in Seoul at age 83 with his joined IRRI as a visiting scientist in 1965 hectare in 1970 to 5.6 tons per hectare, beloved wife, Hyuk-Mae Kwon, and Ingredients Cooking directions and then became a plant breeder from enabling South Korea to achieve self- children at his side. His death was • Rice (uncooked) 1 cup 1. Combine the uncooked rice, milk, and dhal in a pressure 1980 to 1982. He received encouragement sufficiency in rice production. mourned not only by his immediate • Milk 1 cup cooker. Add 3 cups of water and boil for 20–30 minutes from the then IRRI director general, family but by the whole • Grated coconut ½ cup until the rice and dhal mixture is cooked. Mash the Robert Chandler, to develop high- nation because of the • Jaggery (unrefined brown sugar) 300 grams ingredients thoroughly. Set aside. yielding rice varieties for South Korea. legacy that this legendary • Green gram or mungbean dhal 50 grams 2. Mix the jaggery with ¼ cup of water in a heavy-bottomed With IRRI’s assistance, Dr. Heu brought scientist left behind. His • Cashews and raisins 20 grams saucepan and heat it on a low flame until the sugar melts the Green Revolution to South Korea. He achievements in agriculture • Cardamom (crushed) 4 pieces completely. Strain the syrup to remove any impurities. was, in fact, hailed as the Father of the and in improving food • Butter 2 tablespoons 3. Combine the cooked rice, dhal mixture, and brown sugar Korean Green Revolution. security in his country will • Water 3 1/4 cups syrup while stirring slowly. Add the grated coconut and Dr. Heu was instrumental in live forever. crushed cardamom. Allow to boil for a few minutes. Set developing Tong-Il (“reunification”)-type aside. rice, a modern variety that helped Korea Tong-Il, Korea’s "miracle rice,"

This recipe is good for four people. 4. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium-high achieve self-sufficiency in rice production. eyes with its yield potential of 5 tons R heat. Fry the cashews, followed by the raisins, and use In 1965, Dr. Heu, while working with per hectare, played a major role ohn ohn J in enabling the country to achieve them as a garnish. Dr. Hank Beachell, then head of IRRI’s self-sufficiency in rice production in oises oises

Plant Breeding Division, made the first M the 1970s.

In a 4:36 video on YouTube at http://snipurl.com/1li8iu, Ms. Banu gives step-by-step instructions on how to prepare 1 Heu MH, Moon HP. 2010. History of rice culture in Korea: the origin, antiquity and diffusion. In: Sharma SD, editor. Rice: origin, antiquity and history. Enfield, N.H. (USA): this delectable dish. Science Publishers. p 115-153.

30 Rice Today January-March 2011 Rice Today January-March 2011 31 ore than 1,100 delegates Nine World Food Prize Laureates who have worked, served, or studied at IRRI, from around the world IRRI and or have partnered with the Institute gathered in Des Moines, a historic 1987: Dr. Monkombu Sambasivan Swaminathan, IRRI director general Iowa, last 13-15 October, the World M (1982-88), received the first World Food Prize for spearheading the to honor the 2010 World Food Prize (WFP) laureates David Beckmann and Food Prize: introduction of high-yielding wheat and rice varieties to India’s farmers. Jo Luck. There were also numerous side- 1988: Dr. Robert F. Chandler, Jr., IRRI’s first director events, including the Norman E. Borlaug general (1960-71), was recognized for his leadership in International Symposium, which focused by Gene Hettel founding IRRI and spurring an international network on “Taking it to the farmer: reaching the bond of agricultural research centers, ultimately the CGIAR. world’s smallholders,” and recognition 1994: Dr. Muhammad Yunus, IRRI Board member of the International Rice Research Dr. Zeigler pointed out, “A vast International Development (USAID) (1989-94), was recognized for his original

Institute (IRRI) for its five decades of majority of the world’s rice production administrator, said, “We are working (9) archives irri approach to promoting the economic and social achievement and its historic bond to is supplied by very small-scale with the Consultative Group on empowerment of the poorest citizens of Bangladesh, specifically numerous WFP laureates. farmers—200 million farmers in Asia International Agricultural Research women and children. During the symposium, Ambassador alone. However, what is extremely (CGIAR) to support their new ‘mega- 1996: Dr. Gurdev Singh Khush, IRRI breeder and Kenneth Quinn, president of the World exciting from a research institute programs’ [of which the Global Rice principal scientist (1967-2001), and Dr. Henry Beachell, Food Prize Foundation, recognized perspective is that farmers are getting Science Partnership (GRiSP) will be IRRI plant breeder (1963-72), were recognized for their IRRI’s 50th anniversary and its long list SEVENTEEN Video clips of the WFP events can be access to tools of communication unlike the first one to be funded starting in contributions to ensuring that growing populations of achievements. He particularly noted found on YouTube at http://irri.org/WFP_videos. before. This new accessible means January 2011]. These programs focus in Asia and around the world would be supported by the nine WFP laureates (see box, page 33) of communication will completely on high-potential research into new sufficient rice supplies. who have worked, served, or studied at most recent publications, and various revolutionize smallholder rice production seed varieties, effective agricultural 2002: Dr. Pedro A. Sanchez, who IRRI, or have partnered with the Institute historic videos about IRRI, including on a global level.” policy reforms, and better water and soil did his PhD thesis work at IRRI in soils (1965-67), was recognized for over the years. A kaleidoscope of achievements, One of the keynote speakers, Jeff management practices. We have doubled developing pioneering ways to restore some of the world’s poorest Aryo Feldman and Mariafe recognition, and opinions, 1960-2010 Raikes, CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates our investment in these mega-programs, and most degraded soils, while offering great hope to all those Calingacion, two Monsanto Beachell- (http://irri.blip.tv/file/3428017) and a Foundation (BMGF), talked about the making us [USAID] the single largest struggling to survive on marginal lands around the world. Borlaug International Program 1994 dialogue between the father of package of six BMGF grants (totaling supporter of the CGIAR.” 2004: Prof. Yuan Longping, director general of scholars, whom IRRI is currently the WFP, Norman Borlaug, and the just over US$300 million) that span the Also, former U.N. Secretary- the China National Hybrid Rice Research and hosting, attended the gatherings of their second laureate, Robert Chandler, about agricultural value chain. “Two years in, General Kofi Annan told the delegates Development Center, and Dr. Monty Jones, 12 fellow Beachell-Borlaug scholars the origins of IRRI (http://youtu.be/ these grants are having a direct impact on that discrimination against women former senior rice breeder at WARDA (now to compare notes on their work. Mr. TW8hpPi0rqI). hundreds of thousands of farm families is hampering the development of AfricaRice), both long-time IRRI partners, were Feldman (photo below left), a British- During the Borlaug Dialogue, and are on track to reach their goals,” agriculture in Africa, his native recognized for making independent miraculous

Indonesian, is involved in IRRI’s C4 rice IRRI Director General Robert Zeigler he stated. The example he gave was continent. “We cannot forget that the breakthroughs that bettered the lives of countless human beings. project, which is looking to introduce joined in a conversation on Partnering the BMGF grant for IRRI’s work on women who produce most of Africa’s 2006: Dr. Colin A. McClung (at left in photo with Robert Chandler), characteristics of the C4 photosynthetic with smallholders on strategies for food submergence-tolerant Sub1 rice. “By food are particularly disadvantaged IRRI assistant director (1964-66) and associate director (1967-71), was pathway of crops such as maize into rice, security (http://youtu.be/fxzPh-P6MYQ) the end of this year, more than 400,000 economically and socially,” said Annan, recognized for his vital role in transforming the Cerrado—a region of which, if achieved, could significantly with (from left in photo below right) farmers will be planting this rice and, now chairman of the Alliance for a Green vast, once infertile tropical high plains stretching across Brazil—into raise the potential yield of tropical rice. Gabriela Cruz, a fourth-generation by 2017, more than 20 million farmers Revolution in Africa. highly productive cropland. Ms. Calingacion (photo below center), farmer and president of the Portuguese will benefit from it, and that is tangible During the WFP ceremonies at the a Filipina, is breaking new frontiers Association for Soil Conservation; Jose progress!” he added. Iowa State Capitol on 14 October, Ms. in phenotyping to understand the Fernandez, U.S. assistant secretary Another keynote speaker, Rajiv Lauren Schefter of Mount Vernon, Iowa, Award for her work as an intern at IRRI’s James Hill (IRRI agronomist, 1988-89 compounds that confer the quality traits of state for economics, energy, and Shah, United States Agency for was presented with the Elaine Szymoniak Grain Quality, Nutrition, and Postharvest and 1999-2002), Ronnie Coffman (IRRI of aroma, flavor, and taste in rice. business affairs; and Matt Kistler Center during the summer of 2009. Her plant breeder, 1971-81), Dennis Garrity In addition, an IRRI exhibit (far right), senior vice president conversation on Partnering with smallholders experiments dealt mainly with sensory (IRRI agronomist, 1981-92), and Prabhu displayed posters on the work of Mr. for sustainability, Wal-Mart. Sean on strategies for food security. characteristics—amylose content, gel Pingali (IRRI economist, 1987-96). Feldman and Ms. Calingacion, the de Cleene, vice president of Yara hettel gene temperature, gel consistency, and texture. David Beckmann and Jo Luck Institute’s historic achievements, its International, was the moderator. The WFP events also provided a received the 2010 World Food Prize venue for a veritable reunion of past for their landmark achievements in IRRI staff members who participated building Bread for the World and Heifer in the keynotes, conversations, and International into two of the world’s seminars, including M.S. Swaminathan foremost grass-roots organizations (1987 WFP Laureate and IRRI director leading the charge to end hunger and chris quintana (2) quintana chris general, 1982-88), Gurdev Khush (1996 poverty for millions of people around WFP Laureate and IRRI rice breeder and the globe. In honoring them, the World principal scientist, 1967-2001), Mahabub Food Prize recognizes the critical efforts Hossain (IRRI economist and Social of NGOs in mobilizing and empowering Sciences Division head, 1992-2007), everyday citizens to end hunger in Aryo Feldman Mariafe Calingacion Robert Herdt (IRRI economist, 1973-83), communities around the world.

32 Rice Today January-March 2011 Rice Today January-March 2011 33 through the 2008 rice crisis—partially in supporting investments in rice because of some policy initiatives that production after the 2008 food crisis, the reduced the cost of importation and real challenge of building infrastructure by V. Subramanian (5) trader rice the helped maintain rice’s affordability and marketing (and distribution) among the local population. Notably, channels for African rice, as well as trade representatives, such as Olam the competitiveness of local production International, Atlas Trading and against imported alternatives, would Shipping, Export Trading Co., and reveal the full extent of Africa’s success Regent International, all agreed that in the long term. African consumers are becoming more sophisticated and are now more sensitive More support for rice to the quality of their rice. In its effort to sustain support for rice A changing retail environment research and development, TRT donated that also sees some consolidation in another US$10,000 to the International the wholesale sector could offer new Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Mr. Rice traders see a bumpy road in 2011 as opportunities for investors and traders Zwinger, who is also the publisher of financial risks and climate change rocked alike. Frédéric Lançon of the French Rice Today, presented the check to Dr. International Rice & Products Co., Ltd., bagged Agricultural Research Centre for Samarendu Mohanty, head of IRRI’s the markets of 2010 the World’s Best Rice Award 2010 for its Thai jasmine International Development (CIRAD), Social Sciences Division, who was also rice. however, expressed concern about the invited as a speaker at the conference. investment challenges in production, The other highlights of the event traders more cautious and reluctant in marketing, and development of both were the awarding of the second annual ew risk elements and climate commercially oriented views from decision to stay out of the market sent making buying and stocking decisions. infrastructure and African consumers World’s Best Rice 2010 competition to change dominated the traders. These traders, who are involved prices significantly lower—compared to Experts representing African (especially the poor who remain International Rice & Products Co., Ltd., proceedings of The Rice Trader’s in key African import markets, revealed the price hikes induced by the series of demand also revealed more caution affected by higher food costs). He Thailand, for its Thai jasmine rice, and (TRT) second World Rice the concerns of buyers that represent Philippine tenders announced in the third as African imports and consumption noted that although there is an increase the presentation of the Lord of Rice ConferenceN in Phuket, Thailand, 12-14 both the public and private sector within quarter of 2009—during the early part have grown considerably—even in government and donor interest Award to Chef Enrique Diaz. October 2010. In 2009, the market was the global rice trade. Furthermore, the of 2010. rocked by the surge of Philippine demand conference saw the “Big 5” exporters In India’s place, however, after Typhoon Ketsana destroyed much reveal expectations for 2011. Exporters Bangladesh and Indonesia came in of the country’s crops. The following (and millers) from Thailand, Vietnam, with a large demand in tow. This has Bangladesh’s Additional Secre- year saw more nations struggle with the Pakistan, the U.S., and India were joined created a bullish scenario for 2011, even tary for the Food Division (Ministry of Food and Disaster Management) impacts of climate change. China first by representatives from the emerging though India’s output has recovered on Abdul Awal Howlader provides battled against drought during the early export markets of Myanmar and the back of a better monsoon in 2010. insights into Bangladesh’s active part of the year, and then with floods. Cambodia to paint a picture of supply, Indonesia and Bangladesh are expected role in the market in 2010, and even in 2011. Inclement weather also spread across the availability, and export potential, as the to continue to play an active role in 2011 Asian region, bringing the worst floods in audience measured intelligence from that should heat up the global markets years to Pakistan and even to Thailand. both supply and demand to develop views as they purchase strategic stocks and Untimely rains also affected crop output on the possible shape of price, as well as supplies needed to sustain food security in Cambodia and Indonesia. These tips the “critical control points” within the requirements and cool local markets in the balance of rice production pushed global rice supply chain that need to be where prices have been rising (as was the Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture countries to seek measures that would watched as supply and availability unfold case for Indonesia in 2010). Ed Schafer talks about food security ensure long-term food security both with each harvest. Africa, in the meantime, was Chef Enrique Diaz (center) receives the Lord of Rice Award from and the role of the rice industry. TRT CEO/President Jeremy Zwinger (left) and Mr. Wong King Lun nationally and regionally. To make things considered lucky to have stocked up Alan Herman (right), who received the World’s Best Rice Award more complicated, fluctuations of the 2010 in a nutshell on imported rice during the April to 2010 on behalf of International Rice & Products Co., Ltd. U.S. dollar and euro affected currencies TRT President/CEO and conference September 2010 period when prices around the world. And, as if that was not chairman Jeremy Zwinger revealed that were relatively lower. Interestingly, the enough, Russia and the Black Sea region 2010 was initially dominated by India’s dollar and euro revealed more volatility banned wheat exports, further fracturing no-show as an importer. He said that while prices for commodity futures the global cereal supply. India’s strategy to risk relying on its and in energy markets rose during the Attended by 423 delegates from 42 own stocks after drought cut its overall second half of 2010. The behavior of the countries, the conference once again rice production for 2009-10 down to European currency showed the impact featured extensive analysis of demand 89 million tons from 99 million tons in of debt issues in the region and how the and supply scenarios from leading 2008-09 and bank on recovery from the fluctuations have affected the purchasing analysts. It also added critical views monsoon in 2010 to boost output back up power of several African nations whose from major importing countries such to a more comfortable level was “one of currencies were pegged to the euro. Risk as Indonesia, Iraq, the Philippines, the biggest bets taken in the history of was the key feature that has clouded even and Bangladesh as well as the more the rice industry.” Consequently, India’s the best analyst’s crystal ball, making

34 Rice Today January-March 2011 Rice Today January-March 2011 35 1. Brightly colored bags of imported rice 1 2 Africa shifts its focus to producing quality rice dominate shops in many cities across Africa. to AfricaRice. More than 200 national ice (1,2,3) ice R 2. The poor quality of local rice is a major scientists and extension agents were

frica problem faced by rice consumers in many African trained in rice postharvest technology to support local farmers and reduce the region’s A countries. and grain quality management under this aman, aman,

R 3. Dr. Manful John (left), AfricaRice grain quality . .

R partnership. dependence on rice imports expert, is passionate about the need to improve the quality of local rice. AfricaRice continues to do research 4. Experimental auctions help scientists find out on the acceptability of new rice varieties consumers' perceptions about different types of among consumers and the efficiency of rice and the price they would be willing to pay processing methods. Farmer-learning he rice plant produces “This is good news; however, we for them. videos that address grain quality and only rice seeds; it does not should realize that it is not only the processing have been developed and produce sand, stones, or quantity but also the quality of African studies have shown their positive impacts other foreign materials,” rice that is going to be crucial to allow With support from USAID, on rural women. Dr.“T Tareke Berhe from Ethiopia wryly it to compete with the imported rice AfricaRice has carried out a series of As part of its new focus on demand observed, referring to the low quality of from Asia,” stated Dr. John Manful, studies in collaboration with the Nigerian issues, AfricaRice is trying to improve local rice sold in parts of sub-Saharan AfricaRice grain quality expert. Institute of Social and Economic the quality of local rice by collaborating Africa. According to Dr. Manful, rice Research to better understand the factors with farmers and processors to develop Dr. Berhe, who has long been research in Africa has mostly focused 4 explaining consumers’ shift to imported their capacity for processing, packaging, associated with rice development in on the development of technologies to rice in Nigeria. and branding of local rice. the region, promotes “from plant to increase production. “But rice, unlike Issues related to rice quality and plate,” an approach that emphasizes the most other cereals, is consumed as a 3 how this affects consumers’ preference Local rice auctions significance of all the components in the whole grain,” he said. “Therefore, its for local and imported rice were also An innovative program by Dr. Matty rice value chain, namely, input, supply, physical properties such as size, shape, examined, as local rice was often cheaper Demont, AfricaRice economist, and his processing, and marketing. uniformity, and look are of utmost by 30% or more than imported rice, team in Senegal, in collaboration with In Africa, rice has become an importance.” mainly because of its lack of cleanliness. the University of Ghent, is conducting increasingly popular food as it is tasty Grain quality does not just depend The studies recommended a experimental auctions to find out ice and quick to cook. However, most of the on the variety of rice, but also on the R comprehensive approach to revitalize the consumers’ perceptions of the different frica rice eaten on the continent is actually crop production environment, harvesting, A Nigerian rice sector by improving the types of rice and the price they would

imported from Asia. African-grown processing, and milling systems. dour, efficiency of operators at the stages of be willing to pay for them. Most of the N rice has failed to compete with imports Considerable amounts of rice produced production, processing, and marketing. women surveyed preferred the local

because large-scale local rice production get lost in inefficient postharvest aïmouna They emphasized quality and branding to quality rice and are willing to pay more M has been weak and urban consumers have systems in many African countries. increase the competitiveness of local rice. for it. become used to the grain and sensory “Quantitative postharvest losses The comprehensive strategy was As a development component of qualities of imported rice. One of the in rice in Africa are estimated to presented to the stakeholders and the this research, in March 2010, AfricaRice major challenges for Africa is therefore be between 15% and 25%, while Nigerian government. It was integrated organized a workshop in which how to produce sufficient and affordable qualitative losses, which are estimated as a major component of the country’s stakeholders of the Senegalese rice rice that suits the preferences of its by the price differential between presidential initiative on rice production, sector were asked to construct a virtual fast-growing and increasingly urbanized imported and locally produced rice, Q u a l i t y processing, and export in Nigeria, which enterprise with a strategic action plan population. range from 15% to 50%,” Dr. Manful raised awareness on the need for public for bringing a quality rice brand to the explained. “It is important to reduce such support to stimulate rice production and market. Grain quality losses and ensure a top-quality product reduce dependence on imports. Inspired by this experiment, 14 In the wake of the food crisis in 2008 that that our consumers will want to buy.” m a t t e r s Under this initiative, rice imports Senegalese rice importers launched a sparked riots in several African cities, by Savitri Mohapatra were subjected to a high import duty joint venture in November 2010 with several member countries of the Africa Preference for imports (over 100%) and subsidies were provided producers and processors to promote and Rice Center (AfricaRice) adopted key Recent experiences in several to facilitate access to seed (50%) and market Senegal rice. The company aims policy measures recommended by the countries in the region show that prefer imported rice. Bags of imported Support for local rice fertilizers (25%). to buy all the rice grown in the Senegal Center in 2007 to support the rice sector African consumers are becoming more rice dominate shops and restaurants in Several countries, however, have started River Valley—the main rice-growing by ensuring farmers’ access to high- demanding when it comes to their rice. cities, and local rice is difficult to find. focusing on improving the milling, Partnership with Japan area in the country—and then mill it and quality rice seed and other basic farm For example, the Benin government has Locally milled rice is generally of packaging, and marketing of local Since the beginning of its establishment, market it to Senegalese consumers. inputs. announced that it is planning to sell most poor quality and is consumed mainly in rice, and developing public awareness AfricaRice has given importance to “The company is planning to govern Such support coupled with good of the rice (about 160,000 tons) produced rural areas. Often, it tends to have stones campaigns to promote it. In Ghana, for rice postharvest processing and grain quality along the value chain through weather contributed to an 18% increase this year to Nigeria, because domestic and people don’t have time to clean their example, a marketing campaign called quality with support from Japan. The detailed quality contracts with milling in Africa’s rice production in 2008 consumers prefer imported rice. rice before cooking it. Even when it is “Eat Ghana Rice” was recently launched Japan International Cooperation Agency factories and farmers,” explained Dr. compared with 2007. For the 2009-10 Similarly, Senegal produced about of acceptable quality, it doesn’t sell well to encourage people to buy local rice. (JICA) helped establish a Grain Quality Demont. “We are happy that our work crop season, the Food and Agriculture 500,000 tons of rice in 2009, but most in cities, where consumers have been The successful campaign included Laboratory in AfricaRice’s headquarters is helping farmers add value to the local Organization of the United Nations urban consumers considered it inferior used to imported rice. For some people, advertisements in newspapers, on radio, in Côte d’Ivoire and, for many years, rice, raise farmers’ incomes, improve estimated double-digit growth in rice to imported rice. In many African eating imported rice has become a status and on billboards showing the president JICA postharvest processing and rice quality, and expand the market for production in several countries. countries, the urban populations tend to symbol. eating local rice. grain quality experts were seconded locally produced goods.”

36 Rice Today January-March 2011 Rice Today January-March 2011 37 In 2010, in Turkey, Iran, “In other words, although Ethiopia, and other countries in the rust pathogens can induce a Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, response from the rice plant, they No rust for r ce stripe rust, or yellow rust, has cannot complete their spore- by Linda McCandless been the scourge of local farmers, producing life cycle on rice,” says disrupting yields and causing food Dr. Leung. shortages. The increasing failure of the A scientific puzzle world’s wheat crop in the face of In the northwest region of China, increasingly virulent forms of yellow rust is the most serious wheat rusts such as stem rust and problem for wheat production. For yellow rust has created a renewed IRRI researcher Vance Lacorte (left) this reason, Drs. Kang and Wang interest in the wheat community in and Jian Liu, a visiting scholar from focus on screening rice mutants China National Rice Research Institute, examining the one crop—rice— examine rare mutations that may that are sensitive to yellow rust. resistant to the terrible disease. explain rust resistance. They have found that some mutants Under the US$26.8 million- appear to allow a greater degree of funded Durable Rust Resistance in could be formed in the inoculated rice colonization by yellow rust. Wheat (DRRW) project, Dr. Leung is tissue, the extension of hyphae in rice The research team’s top priority now in the third year of the program to tissues was limited compared with that in 2011 is to determine whether explore rice immunity to rust. Financially observed in wheat leaf tissue. susceptibility to rust is genetically supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates The next question is whether controlled. If so, these rust-sensitive Foundation and directed by Ronnie all rice varieties behave like this. mutants could reveal what genetic Coffman, at Cornell University, Dr. Steffenson and his team at the mechanisms are responsible for the the project involves more than 17 University of Minnesota are approaching immunity of rice to rust. institutional partners worldwide. this question by looking at a large Dr. Leung emphasizes that a team number of rice germplasm accessions approach is important to resolving this Dr. Hei Leung (right), IRRI scientist, explains Team of experts maintained in IRRI’s genebank. So far, scientific puzzle and that it has important the screening of rice germplasm and mutants to understand why rice is resistant to rust species. Dr. Leung’s colleagues on the project they have evaluated more than 9,000 practical applications. “Understanding are spread out across the world: Shiping rice cultivars and landraces for their what constitutes long-term immunity Wang and Zhensheng Kang at Huazhong reaction to a mixture of rust pathogens. is good for all cereals,” says Dr. Leung. Scientists embark on a quest to discover what makes rice resistant to rust disease and Agricultural University and Northwest None of the accessions tested exhibited “We want to discover what genes render Agriculture and Forestry University any sporulating uredinia, the process rice nonsusceptible to rust. Such a replicate the trait in other cereal crops in China, Yinong Yang at Penn State in which the erumpent, volcano-like genetic mechanism could also be useful University, Mick Ayliffe at Australia's pustules (uredinia) produce and release for fighting rice diseases.” Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial urediniospores. However, more than 300 Sarah Nell Davidson, the associate heat gets rust. Maize (corn) gets Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baños, In susceptible plants, rust cuts off Research Organisation, Brian Steffenson accessions exhibited responses similar to director of the DRRW, agrees: rust. Also barley, millet, triticale, Philippines, focuses his research on rice the plants’ ability to photosynthesize at the University of Minnesota, and Yue those of resistant hosts to the respective “Imparting nonhost resistance to wheat Wand oats. In fact, all cereals, genetic diversity and discovery, and nutrients in their leaves and transport Jin at the United States Department of rusts, that is, brown or white “flecks” or, and other cereals could be the ultimate except rice, are susceptible to rust. meeting the needs of future generations nutrients in their stems. Infection by Agriculture. in some cases, larger lesions. durable solution to the devastating family Rust is a disease that suffocates a for rice genetic resources. rusts causes stems to weaken and plants All the network partners have of rusts.” plant’s photosynthetic process, rendering “It’s not that rice does not get rust,” to “lodge,” or fall over, making what critical roles to play in looking for rice Rice mutants that are For farmers, discovering what leads the crop weak and unable to provide good says Dr. Leung. “Rather, rice does not little yield there is nearly impossible to mutants that are sensitive to rust. Using susceptible to multiple to rust resistance in rice and transferring diseases may reveal the yields. succumb to the disease even when it harvest. microscopic techniques, Dr. Ayliffe in genetic basis of immunity that knowledge to other crops could lead Rice, the “stainless steel” among encounters the rust pathogen. For most Australia examines how different rust to rust. to stable resistance in wheat and other cereal grasses, has long intrigued rice accessions, there is no macroscopic A dreaded plant disease pathogens behave when they land on cereals. plant breeders and plant pathologists. evidence of rust colonization. Rice is a Wheat rust is one of the world’s most the rice leaf. Most of the uredospores he “If we can identify the source of Norman Borlaug, the father of the true nonhost of most rust species.” dreaded plant diseases. A source of observed could germinate and form germ resistance in rice and transfer that to Green Revolution and patriarch of Millions of yellow- or rust-colored plagues since Biblical times, rust tubes on the rice leaf surface within 12 wheat, we will be able to avoid the modern wheat varieties, believed that, uredospores (the asexual spores) of more devastated the wheat crop in North hours of inoculation. At this time, a few boom-and-bust rust cycles that are so by discovering the genes that make rice than 4,000 species of rust fungi are borne America as recently as 1953. Since 1998, infection sites with a substomatal vesicle devastating to food security,” says Dr. immune to rusts, scientists might be able around the world and carried by the wind Ug99, a form of stem rust, has been could be detected at a low frequency. Leung. “We will be able to take care of to introduce these genes into other cereal and jet stream. They land on a host plant devastating wheat farmers’ fields in East Dr. Ayliffe observed that the germ tube Ug99 and, perhaps, future Ug99s.” grains such as wheat and maize. like wheat or maize, germinate, and then Africa, and is even now marching toward of the rust fungus penetrated the rice grow toward a stomatal pore on the leaf the world’s breadbasket in the Middle stoma directly without the formation Quest for discovery surface to initiate infection. East and South Asia, particularly India. of appressoria. Subsequently, infection Ms. McCandless is the director of com- Finding out what makes rice resistant Rust infections produce red or It threatens to disrupt food security for hyphae were formed on the substomatal munications for international programs to rust is Hei Leung’s quest. This plant yellow pustulating uredospores that the millions of people who depend upon vesicle and the hyphae grew intercellularly of the College of Arts and Sciences at

pathologist at the International Rice give infected plants a “rusty” look. wheat as a staple. in the rice tissue. Although large colonies (3) quintana chris Cornell University.

38 Rice Today January-March 2011 Rice Today January-March 2011 39 Rat traps ojas (2) ojas After two-and-a-half hours of braving the R

vertical pathways to Belwang, the group mae iña was finally welcomed by the villagers. N ona ona The group divided into three teams R to set up 70 rat traps in and around Rat bustersby Rona Niña Mae Rojas the village houses, rice terraces, and citrus fruit orchards. The farmers IRRI’s rodent management team braves the rough mountains enthusiastically assisted the team in setting up the traps, pointing out areas of the north to help farmers save their crops from rats where rodents were frequently seen. Mr. Boller believes that this activity is a useful hands-on exercise for the farmers in rat-trapping techniques. “It took away 1 2 here was simply no turning The IRRI van carefully navigates through the The outbreak Boller olf their fear from the ‘unknown’ animal,” landslide that blocked the path to home. The R back—literally—for the rodent Through a farmer field school in he shares. “It was an important step 1. Dr. Grant Singleton (left) and Vincent Sluydts (right) hold up a sketch of the terraces in Belwang village management team from the narrow road flanked by a mountain wall and a agroforestry, the village farmers started towards knowing your ‘enemy’ first.” cliff made the trek perilous. to draw insights from farmers and help them identify their cropping patterns and practices. International Rice Research organic farming of citrus fruits to take Early the next day, the traps caught 2. holding up a "good rat" caught during the trapping activity, Dr. Singleton shows the participants the TInstitute (IRRI) as the group headed advantage of the mountain’s soil quality. five different rat species. Three are pest physical characteristics of beneficial speciesRattus everetti. to the remote mountaintop village of The village had a successful run in its species (Rattus tanezumi, R. exulans, and Belwang in Sadanga, Mountain Province, citrus fruit plantation for 3 years, helping Mus musculus), whereas two (R. everetti population dynamics, and the possible now know that synchronous planting Philippines. Flanked by rock walls on boost farmers’ incomes. and Chrotomys whiteheadi) are species methods to manage their population. The would benefit the whole community one side and a steep drop on the other, Although damages caused by rats that are beneficial to rice crops. team explained that the native species R. because it allows harvesting to happen the IRRI van carefully traversed the were observed in the previous planting everetti and C. whiteheadi are beneficial at the same time, thus limiting food narrow roads that made every turn and seasons, the rats didn’t start to attack the The guilty ones since they feed on insects, earthworms, availability for rats. A continuous food olf Boller olf swerve along the Cordillera Mountain R village crops on a massive scale until Around 100 people participated in and golden apple snails. Some farmers supply leads to significant rat population Range in the Philippines a daring game 2009, resulting in heavy losses to both the training course. With inputs from were surprised when they learned that the growth. with fate. rats attack on pages 44-45 of Rice Today rice and citrus farmers. As many as 27% the farmers themselves, Dr. Singleton beneficial species would be freed after Another farmer, Dominga Gayaden, The group was led by rodent ecology Vol. 8, No. 4). of the citrus trees were damaged and, constructed the farmers’ cropping the training course. One farmer quickly explains, “We have to solve our problems expert and Irrigated Rice Research Belwang village is home to around by 2010, rice yield losses reached an calendar. The interactive course associated this with the justice system: together as a community because we are Consortium (IRRC) coordinator Grant 115 families who rely heavily on the alarming 30–50%. determined the size of the farmers’ three pest species were tried and found also the ones who are most affected.” Her Singleton. With him were PhD scholar produce from their land. Their main crop DA and SADC then decided to seek rice lands, their expected average guilty, but the other beneficial rats did not fellow farmers couldn’t agree more. Nyo Me Htwe and wildlife biologists is heirloom rice, the native rice variety help in tackling the chronic problem of crop yield, and actual yield after rat eat rice and were therefore innocent and Harvey Garcia and Vincent Sluydts. of the region (see The seed keeper’s rodent infestations. Mr. Boller got in infestation. Rodents were identified as free to go. Roadblocks and sunny days treasure on pages 12-15 of Rice Today touch with Dr. Singleton and asked him the major pest in upland rice production. Dr. Singleton and his team acknowledge Irony in the terraces Vol. 9, No. 4), which is planted in just to train the farmers in Belwang. The participants made a detailed A mobilized community that more research has to be conducted From Sadanga town proper, the IRRI one season, from January to March, decision analysis of their existing crop Armed with a better understanding of on the rice terraces of Mountain group set out on foot for the village and harvested from July to September. management strategies, including rat- rodent pest species and the methods Province. The rodent management of Belwang. They were accompanied According to local farmer Banawag The majestic rice terraces of the Mountain trapping methods. All farmers conducted to manage them, key farmers and DA training conducted in Belwang village is by Rolf Boller, project leader of Kadatar, the season’s harvest is often Province often fall victim to gnawing rats. weed clearing of planting areas and officials mapped out an action plan to simply a start to a continuous learning Lighter areas indicate the extent of the crop the Environment and Sustainable just enough for their food for the next damage caused by rodents. blocked burrows during land preparation, overcome their current rodent problems. experience, for both parties. IRRC Agriculture Program of the Social Action 6 months. Sometimes, a few farmers maximum tillering, and booting stages They agreed to act as a community technologies, such as ecologically based Development Center (SADC) in Bontoc- manage to plant glutinous rice, which is of the rice crop. They were introduced and seek assistance from the local rodent management, are validated by Lagawe, and also by representatives from sold for export. to the benefits of community action, government to buy rat traps. They working closely with farmers in what the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist- “The amount of rice yield depends synchronous cropping (planting at the planned to set these up in and around is known as adaptive research. When Department of Agriculture (OPA-DA) in on the size of your land and on whether same time), good hygiene in fields and the village where heavy damage was farmers understand the ecology of the Mountain Province. or not there are rat infestations,” says houses, and the community trap-barrier observed. rodent species in their area, they are Under the scorching midday sun, Peter Dicang, a rice farmer. “If our stored system (CTBS). CTBS is a plastic fence For the next cropping season, the better equipped to develop effective the group had to go through two valleys, rice is not enough, we are forced to buy surrounding a small plot of rice planted farmers will continue their past practices management strategies. Simple solutions walk along the narrow edges of the rice from the National Food Authority 2–3 weeks earlier than the surrounding of clearing weeds and blocking burrows found together as a community could be Sadanga terraces, and climb many steps using the money we get from selling crop, with traps set into the plastic. in the field and, together, establish a successful in protecting crops and, in the to the village of Belwang. The sweeping glutinous rice.” Dr. Singleton emphasized that the CTBS. Cooperation among them is long run, lead to increased income. views of the mountain ranges carved In the midst of the picturesque green methods to control the rat population crucial considering that they need to with rice terraces hundreds of years surroundings, it is unfortunate that these could be adapted and changed to fit the designate a rice plot as bait to lure rats old offered a respite from the otherwise farmers can barely eke out a living. To community’s own circumstances. into it. Rats will follow the plastic fence arduous trek. The team, however, augment farmers’ income, the SADC and The farmers eagerly participated of the CTBS until they reach a hole that Ms. Rojas is a communication and couldn’t help but notice the patches of OPA-DA joined forces to help farmers in during the discussion on the biological they enter to reach the rice, but instead extension officer with the Irrigated Rice

rice terraces damaged by rats (see When Belwang establish an agroforestry system. singleton grant characteristics of the pest species, rodent are caught in a cage trap. The farmers Research Consortium.

40 Rice Today January-March 2011 Rice Today January-March 2011 41 1 2 ara shyam (4) shyam ara T

3

rice in the city by Tara Shyam Rice may soon thrive once more in urban Singapore

ention the island country Singapore and implements used in rice farming, change—and to inspire more young Mand rice growing may not be the and consumer products with rice people to become plant scientists. Even first activity that springs to mind. as an ingredient. Visitors also got though Singapore is a small country that However, like most countries in a chance to dehusk rice grains and does not grow rice commercially, its next Asia, rice is an indispensable food create a rangoli, a traditional Indian generation of agriculture advocates has grain in Singapore, as it is not only a floor decoration made from brightly much to contribute to the future of rice significant ingredient in local cuisines colored rice flour. Moreover, SCS handed research. but it is also an integral part of the small out illustrated booklets about rice and nation’s culture and traditions. a 5-gram packet of IR64 seeds that In an effort to raise awareness about included instructions on how to grow Ms. Shyam is a development officer with rice—how this cereal starts as seeds rice so people could try planting them at IRRI Fund Singapore. planted in plots to a steaming bowl of home with the family. rice served in Singaporean dining—the To supplement this informal Science Centre Singapore (SCS) and the learning, master teachers of geography 1. rangoli is traditional Indian art made from rice International Rice Research Institute from Singapore high schools also flour that is used to adornH indu homes. Elaborate and colorful patterns are used during festive (IRRI), with support from the Lee attended a training workshop conducted occasions. Foundation, launched a rice exhibit and by SCS. Because of this, rice education 2. Rice farming and sorting implements used in education program on World Food Day has been officially incorporated into the rice production. 3. Manual rice dehusking using sandpaper blocks. 2010 on 16 October. school curriculum. 4. A Singaporean family tries to dehusk the rice Bearing the theme Rice and the These activities aimed to help samples at the exhibit. Cycle of Life, the exhibit introduced Singaporean youngsters understand 5. Rice exhibit banner displayed at the Science Centre Singapore. Singaporeans to the rice plant’s the relationship between their food and 6. Children enjoy making their own rangoli anatomy, different rice varieties, tools the environment—particularly climate patterns.

4 5 6 ingapore ingapore S S entre entre entre entre C C cience cience cience cience S S

Rice Today January-March 2011 43 RICE FACTS many past studies have established crisis. The objective of this reserve will always highly correlated, as shown in negative effects of price volatility on be to keep the rice price in a desired band Figure 2 for Thai Hom Mali Grade A and The global rice market: boom or doom? by Samarendu Mohanty poverty reduction and agricultural by procuring rice when the price falls Thai 5% broken rice. Such differentiation productivity in low-income countries.1 below the lower limit and releasing the of rice makes it extremely difficult to have This was evident during the 2008 food stored rice to the market when the price a rice futures contract that will enable he global rice market is on the Nevertheless, this is still a good harvest Rising market instability crisis when the number of people living goes above the upper limit. This may producers/traders of different types of rice move again. In the last few considering it is 10 million tons higher During the IRPIC, many distinguished below the poverty line increased by sound simple and effective in managing to hedge against the price risk they face. months, rice prices have climbed than what was produced last year. This speakers raised concerns about the 100 million. Interestingly, when prices market volatility and restoring the faith back up after hitting a 2-year year, however, the consumption forecast growing instability in the global rice dropped in 2009, the poverty figure of importers, but the actual operation Looking ahead lowT in early August. The global rice is above 450 million tons; hence, this market. In the last 12 months, the price also declined. In Bangladesh, poverty of such a reserve can be very expensive Global rice demand is projected to grow price, represented by Thai 5% broken, leaves nothing for inventory for the first for Thai 5% broken rose by $100 twice headcount increased from 41.5% in 2006- and controversial. For example, when the at 1.2–1.5% each year in the medium had increased by $120 per ton as of 2 time in 5 years. and dropped by nearly $150 once. 07 to 45.9% in 2007-08 due to higher price is low, the procurement of rice by term. Assuming there will be no further December from its August low of $434 Given the tightening of the current Notably, the Thai 5% broken rice price food prices.2 Moreover, volatility in rice the strategic reserve to raise the price will expansion in rice area, which is already per ton—an increase of nearly 30% in 4 global supply-and-demand situation, some increased by $98 per ton from $493 in prices also creates uncertainty in farmers’ not be acceptable to importing countries. at an all-time high, the current yield months (see Fig. 1). The damage caused strengthening of rice prices was inevitable. October 2009 to $591 in December 2009 expected earnings, making them cautious Similarly, when the price is high, growth of less than 1% will likely create by inclement weather on the wet-season Nothing, though, can truly explain such a and then sank by almost $150 per ton in applying fertilizer, irrigation, and other exporters will object to the release of rice a tight supply and demand situation rice crop in Pakistan and in other rice- steep rise in price within just a few months. between December 2009 and June 2010. necessary inputs, which negatively affects from the reserve to lower the price. more often than ever before. In addition, growing countries (Thailand, Myanmar, This was echoed at the International The increased volatility in the global yield. The 2008 wet-season crop is a good There has also been talk about more frequent extreme weather because the Philippines, China, and South Korea) Rice Policy and Investment Conference rice market could be partly due to the example, in which farmers responded to developing a rice futures market to of climate change is expected to make and supply concerns surrounding wheat (IRPIC) held in conjunction with the Third lingering hangover from the 2007-08 high rice prices by applying expensive provide a platform for exporters and the supply-demand imbalance even and maize have provided the necessary International Rice Congress (IRC2010) in crisis—an overreaction of the market to fertilizers to boost production but then importers to hedge against price risk. worse. On top of that, protectionist spark to reverse the downward trend Hanoi, Vietnam, on 8-12 November (see supply-and-demand shock. Many also ended up with lesser values for their crops The futures market should also help in policy measures taken by rice-growing in the market. Pakistan’s rice crop, in The rise of rice on page 16). contend that the rising involvement of the because of the meltdown in commodity improving the transparency of the price countries in the last few years are likely particular, has been battered by floods— More significantly, however, the government in trade since the 2007-08 prices in the last quarter of 2008. During formation process. However, one of to complicate the market further. As and the most recent USDA estimate important question is, Where do prices rice crisis has added instability to the this period, rice prices dropped by a the major stumbling blocks in having indicated earlier, no silver bullet can points to a significantly lower production go from here? As mentioned many times market because of a lack of openness whopping $500 per ton and fertilizer a feasible global and regional futures fix this problem and baby steps should of 5.1 million tons compared with 6.8 in my previous Rice Today articles, in terms of trade. In most government prices, particularly for urea and ammonia, market is the high degree of product be taken to expand the trade volume million tons in 2009. nobody can predict future rice prices. If deals, the prices paid and received for also plummeted by more than 60%. differentiation in rice at both origin and and make it more transparent. Different On the positive side, Australia is somebody says he can, he is lying. Based rice are kept under wrap. Traders have destination. For example, Pakistani or options, including the viability of a recovering from its multiyear drought, on my “guesstimate,” further downward also started speculating on possible What can be done realistically? Indian basmati rice is very different from strategic reserve and a futures market, during which the rice crop more or less revisions of the global rice and wheat border policy shifts in major exporting First of all, one would like to see the free Vietnam 25% broken rice or japonica rice should be examined in great detail to disappeared in the last 5 years, but it is supply may provide the necessary and importing countries, thus generating flow of rice across countries or regions from East Asia. Even within a country, determine whether or not they will be projected to produce more than 500,000 support for rice prices at this level, more volatility in the market. without much government intervention as prices of different types of rice are not effective for market stabilization. tons this year or nearly 300% greater or even take them a little higher. But, To gauge the degree of instability the size of the market is inversely linked than 2009-10 production. Thailand and India can spoil the party in the rice market, let’s look at current to the level of volatility. In other words, Price (US$/ton) The most recent USDA estimate now and, in fact, exert downward pressure on global wheat production that has been a larger market is likely to absorb any 1,400 puts global rice production at 451 million the price if they decide to unload part of severely curtailed by weather problems shock better than a smaller market where tons, that is, 9 million tons lower than their procurement and mortgage stocks to in the major exporting countries such prices will have to move farther up and 1,200 what was expected a few months ago. open up storage space for the new crop. as Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and down in response to any shock. However, Canada. The 2010-11 global wheat considering the sensitivity of rice in Thai fragrant production is estimated to be 45 million rice-growing regions, it will be more 1,000 Price (US$/ton) 100% tons lower than the previous year’s 680 realistic to take a few baby steps first 1,000 million tons, a drop of nearly 7%. In toward fostering a market that has freer 800 900 response, wheat prices have gone up to a trade and less government intervention. 800 level that is more appropriate for the lower Such development will also encourage 600 available exportable supplies in major 700 countries to move away from short-term growing regions. Interestingly, a similar fixes to more long-term sustainable 400 Thai 5% 600 drop in global rice production in the major development of infrastructure, markets, 500 exporting countries, that is, a production policies, and technology. 200 400 shortfall of 30 million tons in Thailand, As a first step toward stabilizing the Vietnam, Pakistan, the United States, and global market, importing nations should 300 India, would have caused mayhem in the not rush to secure domestic supply 0 Jul 10 Jul 07 Jul 05 Jul 09 Jul 08 Jul 06 Jan 10 Jan 07 Jan 05 Jan 09 Jan 08 200 Jan 06 Sep 10 Sep 07 Sep 05 Mar 10 Sep 09 Sep 08 Sep 06 Mar 07 Mar 05 Mar 09 Mar 08 Mar 06 Nov 10 Nov 07 Nov 05 Nov 09 Nov 08 Nov 06 May 10 May 07 May 05 May 09 May 08 global rice market, similar to what was needs for the entire year at one time. May 06 100 witnessed in 2007-08 when rice prices The creation of a strategic rice reserve Date rose to an unprecedented $1,000 per ton. 0 as a means for market stabilization has Fig. 2. Prices of Thai fragrant 100% and Thai 5% broken rice (January 2005-November 2010). Rising price volatility for rice, a also picked up steam since the 2008 rice Source of raw data: The Pink Sheet, World Bank, and Rice Market Monitor, Food and Agriculture Organization. Jul 10 Jul 01 Jul 02 Jul 07 Jul 03 Jul 05 Jul 98 Jul 09 Jul 99 Jul 08 Jul 06 Jul 04 Jul 00 Mar 10 Mar 01 Mar 02 Mar 07 Mar 03 Mar 05 Mar 98 Mar 09 Mar 99 Mar 08 Mar 06 Mar 04 Mar 00 Nov 10 Nov 01 Nov 02 Nov 07 Nov 03 Nov 05 Nov 98 Nov 09 Nov 99 Nov 08 Nov 06 Nov 04 Nov 00 staple for half of the world’s population Date and a source of livelihood for nearly a

billion households, is also undesirable 1 Susanne U, Keil A, Zeller M. 2010. The impact of rice and maize price volatility on farm households‘ income and consumption in northern Vietnam, Conference on International Fig. 1. Price of Thai 5% broken rice (March 1998 to 2 Dec. 2010). from the global food security perspective. Research on Food Security, Natural Resource Management and Rural Development held in Zurich, 14-16 September 2010. Source of raw data: The Pink Sheet, World Bank, and Thai Rice Exporters Association (for 2 Dec. 2010 price). As reported by Susanne, Keil, and Zeller, 2 Raihan S, Haque AKI, Khan EA, Chowdhury R. 2008. Updating poverty estimates in Bangladesh: a methodological note. Bangladesh Econ. Outlook 1(4).

44 Rice Today January-March 2011 Rice Today January-March 2011 45 grain of truth The new global rice agenda: a Latin American perspective by: Gonzalo Zorrilla

atin America has a tiny share across the world has limited agricultural in global rice production—only Plugging Latin America into expansion, Latin America could around 4% of the total. Now, this global rice research agenda, provide additional rice area to boost rice is the most essential crop in rice production since it is one of the few almostL all countries, not only as a staple coordinated by IRRI, will regions left in the world that still has food but also as a significant sector that help the region improve rice plenty of natural resources, especially contributes to economic growth and job land and water. creation. And, compared with other food production and meet its own Research programs at CIAT, grains, it is clearly more important in the local demand, as well as the FLAR, and several national institutes diet of the poor. have accomplished good technological Latin America is vastly diverse world's. advances that could also be shared in in its ecosystems for rice production. this new global agenda. Strategies to From the small farmers in coastal increase yield potential in conventional Ecuador or Guyana who continue to Revolutions in Latin America on page 38 varieties, using wild species to develop transplant or pregerminate seeds to the of Rice Today Vol. 6, No. 2). International, new improved cultivars, biotechnology extensive rice growers in the Southern regional, and local efforts have led to a breeding tools, rice transformation with Cone (Argentina, southern Brazil, and continuous and dynamic improvement in a high-throughput platform, agronomy Uruguay) who use high-tech no-till rice production in Latin America—with extension programs aimed at closing the direct-seeding systems; from the hilly- the region demonstrating high yield yield gap, improving water-use efficiency, upland subsistence farmers in the Andean growth in the last three decades. minimum- or no-till and direct-seeding region of Bolivia or northern Nicaragua Since the late 1990s, however, systems, institutional innovations such as Conserve water when growing rice. to commercial producers in the rainfed collaboration among international centers FLAR, among others, are areas that have Eastern Plains of Colombia or Costa and other institutions from different good and validated technological products Rica, there are all kinds of intermediate regions has declined steadily. IRRI’s that may be useful on other continents. Use Valley® Center Pivots and Linears. ecosystems and forms of production. support for Latin America diminished FLAR, along with its more than 30 International research has played and contact with the African centers public- and private-associated institutions a key role in improving rice production became minimal. But, in 2009, changes in 17 Latin American countries, is ready Rice has traditionally been grown using flood in the last 40 years, starting with in the international centers’ governance and eager to play an active role in this the semidwarf materials developed sparked a revival of communication new global platform. While CIAT will be irrigation on flat fields, but growers are now Valley Center Pivots rotate during the Green Revolution in the late among centers. Institutes then started fully engaged in genetics, biotechnology, looking for ways to conserve water in their crop around a fixed pivot point in 1960s. Joint efforts of the International discussing and elaborating the program disease, and climate change research production. Irrigating rice with Valley® Center the center of the field. The Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and that has now come to be known as the issues among others, FLAR, with its Pivots and Linears has allowed growers to reduce the International Center for Tropical Global Rice Science Partnership (GRiSP). grass-roots network of local institutions, machine efficiently irrigates Agriculture (CIAT) were the driving This program provides an opportune will focus on applied research and the amount of water and fuel pumped, and has the crop while creating a force behind this revolutionary trend in time to re-engage Latin America as an act as a bridge in bringing these new allowed new growers to produce rice on non- circular pattern. agriculture. During the 1980s, strong active partner in the strategy to overcome technologies to farmers. traditional fields. national institutions appeared in several the huge challenges facing world rice Plugging Latin America into this countries and helped create a regional production—allowing the region to not global rice research agenda, coordinated network for research and development only receive new scientific breakthroughs by IRRI, will help the region improve So contact your Valley Irrigation dealer today to in rice. This concerted effort was but also to share some of the interesting rice production and meet its own local find out more about producing rice with a Valley consolidated in 1995 with the foundation technology and production systems that demand, as well as the world’s. It will Center Pivot or Linear. of the Latin American Fund for Irrigated Latin American farmers have already also provide Asia and Africa with valid Rice (FLAR) as a public-private regional validated and adopted. experiences and research products, Valley Linear machines partnership based at CIAT. With FLAR’s Investment in rice research in Latin which they can adopt and apply to their travel back and forth across support and the active involvement of America is very small compared with respective strategies. a square or rectangular field. farmers´ organizations, Latin America is that in Asia and Africa. Hence, we working on a second Green Revolution anticipate that this partnership will bring The linears can irrigate up to in the region based on crop management in new and suitable technologies to the Mr. Zorrilla is the executive director of 98% of each field. and good agronomic practices (see Rice region. In turn, because urbanization FLAR. Irrigation. Technology. Conservation.

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