News Overview

Connected Breeding, a new breeding strategy by IRRI, is set to revolutionize rice breeding by unlocking complex genetic diversity from gene banks and integrating it into elite breeding genotypes. This cutting-edge approach overcomes the limits of traditional methods, accelerating the development of climate-resilient, salt- and flood-tolerant rice for the world’s most vulnerable regions. By Waseem Hussain, Mahender Anumalla, Margaret Catolos, Joie Ramos, Ma Teresa Sta.

Last July 31, 2025, IRRI joined partner CGIAR Centers at a media visit hosted by the Global Development and Health Communication Center (GDHCC) with the Gates Foundation to explore the innovations and impact of CGIAR work in Africa. Read how IRRI Researcher Everlyne Nganga explains the changing dynamics of rice farming and malaria-causing mosquitoes in Africa. Rice fields in Africa

IRRI scientists explored the perspective of Filipino consumers to see how they view and value healthier rice (brown, pigmented, and low-glycemic index rice), providing new insights on how it can find its place on their tables.  By Danica Louise C. Sembrano For many Filipinos, a meal without rice is simply incomplete. Rice has long been a staple in the Filipino

By Van Schepler-Luu & Myrtel Anne Valenzuela Rice diseases such as bacterial blight and blast are no strangers to farmers across Asia and Africa. Year after year, these fast-evolving threats reduce yields, undermine farmer livelihoods, and chip away at food security. However, scientists are staying one step ahead of these diseases through near-isogenic lines (NILs). Near-isogenic lines are highly specialized

By Abdul Haque, Sharif Ahmed, and Humnath Bhandari Photo 1: A youth local service provider (LSP) sows direct-seeded rice (DSR) using a two-wheel power tiller-operated seeder in Nilphamari, Bangladesh. Photo credit: Asad, IRRI Bangladesh’s economy heavily relies on agriculture, with a significant portion of the population directly and indirectly dependent on it for their livelihoods. Agriculture contributes approximately 11%

The technology promises to accelerate the development of rice varieties that meet consumer preferences, enhance nutritional value, and contribute to global food security.   By Dr. Rhowell Tiozon and Glenn Concepcion Over 3.5 billion people, particularly in Asia and Africa, rely on rice for a significant portion of their caloric intake every day, making its quality and nutrition critical for health and

A farmer in his green manure field in Rangpur, Bangladesh. (Photo credit: Bappy Kumar, IRRI) By Sharif Ahmed, Abdullah Miajy, Manik Debnath, and Humnath Bhandari Did you know that most agricultural soils in Bangladesh are low in organic matter, with levels less than 1–2%? This is below the ideal range of 3–5% required for soil fertility. The main reasons for low

In a fragile balance, how do we protect a staple that feeds billions? LOS BAÑOS, Philippines (19 August 2025) — The global rice market plays a central role in food security, trade stability, and rural livelihoods across much of Asia and Africa. In recognition of its importance, the 2025 Council for Partnerships on Rice Research in Asia (CORRA) Science