To arrest declining yields, rice producers must turn to science
The Philippines, and other rice-dependent countries, may have to get more serious in adopting the latest scientific advancements in rice production as the share of agriculture in the nation’s output recedes, while the rural workforce declines.
An external advisory group that the Food and Agriculture and Organization formed recommended an international strategy on rice production.
The strategy brings to the fore the crucial role of scientific developments such as genomics and the issue-laden field of genetic modification.
One recommendation is that “the rice strategy’s goals should be to increase productivity and nutrient content of rice adequately to meet the rising global demand through sustainable intensification of rice production systems,” said the FAO, whose Asia-Pacific office is located in Bangkok.
The FAO said that rice farming is facing several new challenges, such as global climate change and the need to reduce the environmental footprint of rice farming, while increasing the efficiency of inputs like seeds, fertilizer and water.
The UN agency further noted that “modern scientific developments are also making it possible to increase yield, reduce disaster risk, and also add nutritive value to rice.”
Scientists at the International Rice Research Institute, working alongside experts in Japan, last week announced they had identified a long-sought rice gene that would increase the volume of production by more than a third.
According to rice breeder Tsutomu Ishimaru, the process does not involve genetic engineering and instead uses genetic mapping and conventional breeding techniques, known as genomics.
Also, the IRRI is making progress with field tests on the so-called Golden Rice.
Developed using genetic modification techniques, Golden Rice has genes from maize and a common soil microorganism that, together, produce beta carotene in the rice grain, which gives it its color.
The FAO also recommends that the region should take steps to improve mitigation and adaptation of rice farming to climate change. Ronnel W. Domingo
