A study by UPLB, IRRI, and DA-BAR explored alternative dissemination actors to expand the reach of Rice Crop Manager, a web-based application that guides farmers with crop management practices best suited for their rice fields. The project’s key findings were recently featured in a seminar hosted by IRRI’s Sustainable Impact through Rice-based Systems (SIRS) Department. The Rice Crop Manager’s
by Muhammad Ashraful Habib*, Swati Nayak*, Nuruzzaman*, and Saidul Islam* Lying in the southeastern part of Bangladesh, the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) are the country’s only extensive hilly region that belongs to a low-productive agriculture zone. Most rural households in this region depend on agriculture-related activities for their livelihoods, yet some inhabitants have never, or only rarely, received information on
by Kazuki Saito and Iris Bugayong Rice is not just a crop—it is the backbone of economies, cultures, and food security across Asia. In Japan, a recent rice shortage has brought this reality into sharp focus. Prices have spiked, supermarket shelves are being emptied, and public concern is rising. The causes—climate-induced weather disruptions, a surge in tourism-driven demand, and speculative
On the second day of CGIAR Science Week 2025, IRRI continues to highlight its leadership in harnessing and scaling science and innovation through rice research worldwide. In the science talk, “Transformative Partnerships for Sustainable Agriculture: Scaling Innovation, Strengthening Seed Systems, and Strengthening Climate Resilience,” Dr. Ajay Panchbhai, IRRI’s Regional Breeding Lead – East and South Africa, emphasized the power
by Danica Louise C. Sembrano IRRI researchers link food availability and access as key factors influencing diet, nutrition, and health in rural food environments of low- and middle-income countries. This calls for interventions focused on reducing unhealthy food options and making nutritious foods more available and accessible. Behind every meal is a food environment—homes, schools, workplaces, neighborhoods —spaces where various
CAGAYAN, Philippines (02 April 2025) — Diabetes is a global health issue, currently affecting 6.6 million people in the Philippines, with numbers steadily increasing. Among the major contributing factors are poor dietary choices, particularly excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates such as white rice. As consumers become more health-conscious, there is a growing demand for healthier food alternatives such as
Written by Ruvicyn Bayot CGIAR Science Week highlights how combining crop breeding with market intelligence from the very start of the process can contribute to identifying opportunities, promoting equity, and achieving greater impact. NAIROBI, Kenya (11 April 2025) — At the sidelines of the 2025 CGIAR Science Week, the CGIAR Market Intelligence Team shared their latest research findings with
NAIROBI, Kenya (10 April 2025) — Building on over two decades of experience in global climate research, CGIAR launched a Climate Action Program that focuses on strengthening the climate resilience of over 600 million smallholder farmers in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Globally, a third of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission comes from agriculture, forestry, and land use industries.