DA: Gathering of global experts to help boost PH rice sector

MANILA  -The annual gathering of global rice stakeholders, to be held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on Oct 16-19,  is expected to help advance the domestic sector amid the many challenges it is facing, according to an official of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“At the International Rice Congress  (IRC) 2023, we can learn about recent advancements in genetic, digital and nature-based solutions, offering valuable insights to address the various challenges faced by the rice industry in the Philippines,” said Agriculture Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian in a statement released by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

This  will be the first time the Philippines is hosting the IRC, which began in 2002. According to the IRRI, it is the largest gathering of stakeholders of rice-based food systems worldwide.

This year’s conference, the Manila-based research organization said, intended to highlight solutions and innovations that could help address critical issues on agriculture and climate change, food and nutrition security, environmental sustainability and human and economic development.

“While IRRI is excited to showcase cutting-edge technology, and breakthrough studies and innovations from different parts of the world during IRC 2023, we would like to emphasize the urgency to focus the discussions on how to provide holistic science-based solutions to the combined impacts of climate extremes, looming rice crisis, conflict and economic shocks to the rice value chain,” IRRI director general Jean Balié said.