Tom Clemeno, fondly called Tom C, has served IRRI for more than 34 years.Tom Clemeno, agriculturist and former manager (1998-2010) of the Experiment Station (ES) of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), passed away at age 59 on 27 October 2015. Tom served at IRRI for more than 34 years in different capacities starting as a research aide in 1984....

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

Farmer technicians, who play a big role as extension intermediaries, were introduced to differentresources and tools in a recently concluded national convention for local farmer technicians (LFTs) at the Crown Regency Hotel, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, on 27-28 October 2015.One of the tools presented to more than 1,300 LFTs was the Rice Doctor, a diagnostic tool on crop problems,...

Rice is the major staple food crop for Asians and supplies 50 to 80% of their daily caloric intake. However, rice is low in essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc or vitamin A in its polished form. IRRI has been developing healthier rice varieties that contain more iron, zinc, and beta carotene (a source of vitamin A) to help reduce hidden hunger.Russel Reinke, a...

IRRI has always been committed to nurturing the environment for a new generation of rice extension professionals through technical knowledge coupled with practical competency. With this in mind, IRRI has developed the Rice Production Manual. This first edition has seven modules that contain a total of 25 lessons, which provides a framework and a guide for upgrading the...

It is with deep sadness that the International Rice Research institute (IRRI) announces the passing of Dr. Benito S. Vergara, 81, on Saturday afternoon (24 October). Ben had been ill for some time. Born on 23 June 1934, Ben had a fruitful 38-year career at IRRI as associate plant physiologist (1 July 1961–31 December 1969); plant physiologist (1 January 1970–31 December...

Los Baños, Philippines - The Board of Trustees of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) this afternoon concluded a packed three-day agenda, again fulfilling its mandate of setting the strategic direction of the institute and securing the future of its mission.IRRI chief Robert Zeigler said during the closing session that it was "an unbelievable honor to...

For the second time this year, the bi-annual Lakbay Palay, a field day featuring the latest technologies in rice production, was organized by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) at their Central Experiment Station in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija on 13-16 October 2015. The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) took part, along with the DA-Agricultural Training...

The Taiwan government has strengthened its commitment to global food security with its recent annual donation of USD 600,000 to support a collaborative program on rice research with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) from 2016 to 2019.In an official letter addressed to IRRI Director General Robert Zeigler, Minister Bao-ji Chen informed IRRI that the...

The recently proposed Rice Agri-Food Systems (RAFS) or GRiSP2 proposal has been favorably reviewed by the Independent Science and Partnership Council (ISPC) of the CGIAR, said Bas Bouman, Global Rice Science Partnership (GRiSP) leader, during his report to the IRRI Board of Trustees on 21 October.“No CRP ranked higher than GRiSP; and compared with nearly all other proposals,...