For over six decades, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has been at the forefront of rice science, driving global advancements and shaping the future of rice production. To this day, IRRI’s work continues to redefine what’s possible in agricultural innovation.
As we celebrate 65 years of impact, let's look back at how IRRI’s pioneering efforts have transformed the rice sector, evolved with the times, and stayed true to its mission of advancing food security for all nations that depend on rice.
IRRI Headquarters in PH: where the best rice varieties are discovered
IRRI’s work in the Philippines began in the 1960s, when early foundational rice research laid the groundwork for groundbreaking innovations in rice varieties.
This research hub has since grown into a world-class complex, featuring state-of-the-art facilities such as the Lloyd T. Evans Plant Growth Facility, the International Rice Genebank, and specialized areas for crop breeding and crop health research. Collaborating closely with national institutions like the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), IRRI, this hub, has trained generations of Filipino rice scientists, breeders, agronomists, and extension workers, as well as rice experts from institutions worldwide through formal education and hands-on training programs, advancing collaborative efforts to shape the future of rice science.
A window into the future of rice: IRRI’s earliest rice science plots have reached a major milestone this year
In front of IRRI’s historic main buildings lies the Long-Term Continuous Cropping Experiment (LTCCE) plot, home to the world’s longest-running experiment on triple rice cropping. Launched in May 1962, this pioneering experiment set out to explore how to grow three rice crops per year on the same land, focusing on long-term productivity, sustainability, and challenges that farmers may face in the future. It acts as a window into the future, showing how intensive rice farming can adapt to challenges like soil health and climate change—so farmers can keep their fields sustainable and productive for generations to come.
On April 2025, LTCCE marked a major milestone with the planting of its 183rd rice crop. With this, this experiment officially surpasses the famed Rothamsted experiment (established in 1843) in terms of number of cropping seasons. The LTCCE has been critical in understanding long-term rice production under evolving climate conditions. It continues to provide essential data and insights that shape sustainable agricultural practices around the world.
From IR8, the miracle rice, to many “IR” rice varieties across the world
In 1966, IRRI released IR8, the high yielding “miracle rice” that revolutionized rice production and played a key role in the Green Revolution. Its exceptional nitrogen-use efficiency made it widely successful across Asia through IRRI’s national agricultural research and extension systems (NARES) partners.
In recognition of its outstanding contributions to agricultural development in Asia, particularly for the development of IR8, IRRI received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1969. IR8 later became a parent of many improved rice varieties still benefiting farmers today.
IRRI’s collaborative rice breeding research has delivered about USD $10.37 billion in current values in economic benefits to the Philippines over 1990–2018. Economic analyses show that IRRI’s research in the Philippines has produced an average return of 9 US dollars for every dollar invested, translating to at least 272 million US dollars of direct economic benefits to Filippino farmers every year. This portfolio includes hundreds of rice varieties released across diverse rice-growing regions. Each variety is tailored to address unique needs of farmers, consumers, and stakeholders.
In the Philippines, approximately 60% of the rice currently cultivated originated from varieties developed by IRRI. Preparing for the future, emerging collaborations with other valuable research institutions such as the Philippine Genome Center Program for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forestry (PGC-Agriculture) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), PGC-DNA Sequencing and Bioinformatics Core Facilities (DSCF) of UP Diliman, and PhilRice have begun to leverage advancements in genomics and bioinformatics through the 1,001 genomics project. This project aims to further improve rice breeding initiatives in the country by identifying valuable genetic traits—such as climate resilience, early maturity, and higher nutrient content—from indigenous rice. This also includes creating the Philippine Rice Genome Database and training local researchers in genomics and bioinformatics, to support the development of better-performing Philippines rice varieties and to enhance food security.
Check out this video of historical IRRI rice varieties.
The Enduring Partnership Between IRRI and the Philippines
Since the 1960s, the Philippines, through the Department of Agriculture and its attached agencies, has been one of IRRI’s most vital and enduring partners. As IRRI’s host country, the Philippines has played a crucial role in shaping the institute’s success through decades of collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment to advancing rice science. In 1985, with encouragement and support from IRRI, the Philippine government established the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) under the Department of Agriculture to develop high-yielding, cost-reducing rice technologies, marking a significant step in advancing national research and ensuring food security for future generations.
Since its inception, PhilRice and IRRI have collaborated closely on various research and training projects. Notably, the two institutes have worked together to develop climate-resilient rice varieties, screening thousands of lines for submergence, salinity, and drought tolerance. They have also jointly protected elite breeding lines, ensuring the advancement of rice genetics in the country.
Among the most recent milestones of this partnership include the Special Award for Sustainability at the IDC Regional Future Enterprise Awards for the Philippine Rice Information System (PRiSM). PRiSM is a satellite-based rice monitoring system co-developed by PhilRice, IRRI, and partners which provides real-time data on rice production, aiding in food security and disaster preparedness.
This enduring partnership continues to play a vital role in enhancing rice production and ensuring food security in the Philippines and beyond.
A global powerhouse in rice science and sustainable agriculture
Since its founding, IRRI has been home to some of the world’s most distinguished agricultural scientists. In 1987, IRRI Director General M.S. Swaminathan became the first-ever recipient of the World Food Prize (WFP). Since then, nine WFP laureates have worked at, studied with, or partnered closely with IRRI—reflecting the Institute’s rich legacy of research excellence.
In 2023, IRRI scientist Dr. Swati Nayak was awarded the prestigious Borlaug Field Award by the World Food Prize Foundation in recognition of her outstanding contributions to farmer-centered research and seed systems. The following year, in 2024, IRRI’s Dr. Bas Bouman became part of the inaugural cohort of the World Food Prize Top Agri-Food Pioneers—further highlighting IRRI’s global leadership in agricultural innovation.
Anticipating the future
In 2006, rice breeding reached a breakthrough with the discovery and deployment of the SUB1 gene, which allows rice plants to survive complete submergence for up to 14 days. This trait has since been incorporated into several mega rice varieties including the popular Submarino 1 variety in the Philippines. This discovery has helped millions of smallholder farmers in flood-prone regions adapt to climate shocks.
Today, IRRI scientists are pushing beyond the 14-day benchmark. They are now thinking beyond the SUB1 gene, searching for new genotypes that can survive even longer periods of submergence. This next frontier in flood-resilient rice is a key focus of the late-maturity breeding pipeline and part of IRRI’s ongoing efforts to develop the next generation of climate-smart rice.
Thought leadership through the decades
The May 2004 edition of National Geographic prominently featured rice, highlighting IRRI’s vital contributions to global rice research and development.
In 2023, The Economist featured IRRI in a story on the future of rice amid rising global demand and climate change. IRRI scientists highlighted the need for climate-resilient varieties, supportive policies, and innovations like direct seeding to drive a more sustainable and equitable rice sector.
The world’s richest rice gene bank meets the power of AI
In the photo below, Dr. Mike Jackson, the very first head of the IRRI International Rice Gene Bank (IRG), gives Nobel Laureate Norman Borlaug a tour of the gene bank's large cold storage facility during his 1999 visit to IRRI Headquarters. The IRRI Gene Bank is the world’s largest repository of rice genetic diversity, safeguarding over 132,000 rice accessions in its freezing vaults.
Now headed by Dr. Venuprasad Ramaiah, the International Rice Genebank received funding from Google’s philanthropic arm, Google.org, to harness the potential of IRG’s large genetic resources. With this funding, screening capacity jumped from 903 to 60,000 accessions in just one season - at only 10% of the original cost and time. The project aims to screen more than 132,000 accessions.
Watch our interview with Crop Trust Executive Director Dr. Stefan Schmitz
Convening the brightest minds in rice science
Launched in 2002 in Beijing with over 1,000 delegates from 20 countries, the International Rice Congress (IRC) is the premier gathering of the world’s leading minds in rice science. Convened by IRRI every four years, it brings together scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders to tackle the most complex challenges in the global rice sector. Since the event’s first edition in Beijing, this conference has been conducted in several rice-growing countries including New Delhi, Hanoi, Bangkok, and Singapore.
In 2023, IRC was hosted in IRRI’s host country, the Philippines. IRC 2023 brought together over 2,000 delegates from around the world to advance the conversation on rice science and innovation. During the congress, the latest scientific breakthrough in low and ultra-low glycaemic index rice was unveiled and presented to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
The next International Rice Congress is set for 2027, continuing its mission to shape the future of rice research and global food security.
As we look back on 65 years of groundbreaking achievements, IRRI’s legacy reminds us that innovation in rice science is not just about better harvests—it’s about building a more food-secure, climate-resilient, and equitable world. With deep roots in the past and a bold vision for the future, IRRI continues to inspire the next generation of scientists, farmers, and leaders to push the boundaries of what is possible.
The journey is far from over—and together, we will continue to shape the future of rice and global food systems for decades to come.
Share your IRRI journey or story with us! Email irri-65@cgiar.org.