IRRI IN PHOTOS: 65 years of innovations in rice science

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 global 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) – 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 plot has 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. Established in May 1962, this pioneering experiment set out to explore how to grow three rice crops per year on the same land, focusing…