Hot Topics
IRRI is a leading public voice on global rice science and development. We respond to issues related to rice as they arise and provide information to help people understand, explore, and engage in these issues. Learn more about some of these hot topics, read what IRRI has to say and explore our related science.
If you want more information about these hot topics, please contact us, as we would be happy to help. Or join us on facebook and start a discussion on a rice science or development topic that interests you.
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Genetically Modified (GM) rice
Currently no varieties of genetically modified (GM) rice are grown commercially in the world. Many organizations, including IRRI, are using genetic modification to do research and to develop potential GM rice varieties.
View items...Golden Rice
Golden Rice is a new type of rice that is unique because it contains beta-carotene - giving it a golden color. IRRI and its partners are developing and evaluating golden rice as a potential way to address vitamin A deficiency.
View items...Herbicide-resistant rice
Herbicide-resistant rice can make weed control much easier and cost effective, but also presents some risks to rice production that need to be carefully managed.
View items...Hybrid rice
Hybrid rice is a type of rice bred from two very different parents. It has the potential to produce up to 30% more than other types of rice. IRRI does a range of research to support the development of hybrid rice.
View items...International land acquisition for rice production
International land acquisition, or "land grabbing", for rice production is when countries with insufficient land to grow more rice look beyond their borders to find rice production land to feed their people.
View items...IRRI: working with our local community
IRRI was established in Los Baños, Philippines in 1960. We employ over 800 Filipinos and work closely with our partners in the Philippines to undertake our rice research and training. We also do community work to support our local community.
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IRRI: working with the private sector
Since 1960, IRRI has forged relationships with public and private sector partners, including with rice farmers, donors, extension officers, scientists, government agencies, nongovernment organizations, and businesses.
View items...Pesticides in rice production
Pest outbreaks occur in rice, and IRRI is helping farmers manage pest outbreaks in an environmentally sustainable way.
View items...Rice and climate change
The vast majority of climate change impacts and the overall impact of climate change on rice are likely to be negative. IRRI is developing rice adapted to climate change and finding ways to reduce emissions from rice production.
View items...Rice prices and market
IRRI's work points towards keeping rice supply stable, which help keep food prices of seven hundred million poor people low and affordable. Stable rice prices means rice that can withstand production challenges, well informed rice-based policies, effective and inclusive value chain, minimal losses, and effective education of new generations of rice scientists.
View items...Sharing rice genetic diversity responsibly
The diversity of rice is a resource that must be conserved and shared responsibly. Conserving and sharing the genetic diversity of rice helps rice breeders develop new rice varieties suited to local conditions and needs.
View items...System of Rice Intensification (SRI)
The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is an evolving set of practices, principles, and philosophies aimed at increasing the productivity of irrigated rice. IRRI delivers practical and proven best management practices that can by tested and used by SRI practitioners.
View items...Why does the Philippines import rice?
The Philippines is currently the largest importer of rice in the world, importing around 1.8 million tons of rice in 2008. Three main factors explain why the Philippines imports rice: land area, population growth, and infrastructure.
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