IRRI relies on its capacity to stay at the forefront of innovation in research and in the operations that support these research activities.
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is globally recognized as a center of excellence in research that delivers sustainable solutions to rice-based agri-food systems. To achieve this, IRRI relies on its capacity to stay at the forefront of innovation in research and in the operations that support these research activities.
In Asia, in the 1960s, when IRRI started its mission to eliminate hunger and poverty, improve the lives and livelihoods of rice farmers and consumers, and protect rice agri-food system environments, the water buffalo and sickles were often the most advanced “machines” used in rice farming. Since IRRI began working on mechanization in the 1970s, it has developed numerous machines and implements that are now commonly used in rice farming across the continent. These include hand tractors, axial-flow threshers, and grain dryers. In addition, IRRI has developed mechanized solutions to improve research operational efficiency and reduce the cost of research.