In an effort to further implement the rice research agenda of the country, the Royal Thai Government through the Rice Department recently approved annual donation of THB 3,600,000 (equivalent of USD 100,000) starting fiscal year 2014-2015 to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).In a letter addressed to the Thai Rice Department Director General Anan Suwannarat,...
Author Archives: Alaric Santiaguel
By: Rona AzucenaThe Closing Rice Yield Gaps in Asia with Reduced Environmental Footprint (CORIGAP) project gears up for its second phase with a review of the progress made at sites in major granaries of lowland irrigated rice in six Asian countries. The meeting reviewed plans for the last 15 months of Phase 1 of CORIGAP and then considered priorities, future...
The Closing Rice Yield Gaps in Asia with Reduced Environmental Footprint (CORIGAP) project conducted a two-day workshop on measuring ecological indicators and using the field calculator on 8-9 October 2015. IRRI scientists, led by Sarah Beebout, and key partners from China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam gathered together to discuss how to calculate...
Rural women play a vital role in increasing in food production. Women farmers should have better access to varieties and resources to help mitigate the effects of climate change on their rice production. More importantly, instead of treating them as mere beneficiaries, they should be viewed as experts who possess the know-how that can complement experts’ formal knowledge.Paddy...
It could take between 3 to 6 years from initial evaluation of a breeding line to the release of a new rice variety. Add to that the slow rate of varietal adoption by farmers, because of problems with the seed industry and extensions services, and you have a system with low production, productivity and farm incomes. Now, the dissemination of newly released stress-tolerant...
In the Indian state of Odisha, rice is synonymous with food. Unfortunately, the state is also vulnerable to the impact of climate change. Odisha’s agriculture sector is already experiencing delayed monsoon and prolonged dry season, increased frequency of heavy rainfall and strong cyclones, and higher average temperatures. All of these contribute to lower rice productivity.To...
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) rice genomics senior scientist Kenneth McNally recentlyreceived the 2015 Yunnan Friendship Award. The award covers development in all sectors, including agriculture, industry, technology, medical care, culture, and education. Set up in 1997, it is given annually to foreign experts for their contributions to the social and economic...
A new project that aims to maximize rainfed rice production through efficient natural resource management based on seasonal climate prediction was launched under the IRRI-Japan Collaborative Research Project (IJRCP) on 1 October.Climate Change Adaptation through Development of a Decision Support tool to guide Rainfed Rice production (CCADS-RR) will address existing constraints...
