The IRRI representative claimed that using crisper casings and genome editing, tall rice varieties in Pakistan could have their duration reduced.
To meet the nutritional needs of the region’s rapidly expanding population, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) of the Philippines is promoting regional cooperation to increase rice production and germplasm exchange in South Asia.
In an online meeting with Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, vice chancellor of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), and other stakeholders on Monday, Dr. Jongsoo Shin, the IRRI Director for Asia, shared these opinions.
According to him, 56% of the world’s population had their nutritional needs met as a result of IRRI’s global efforts to increase rice production. According to him, 25% of people on earth cultivate rice and derive their livelihood from it.
As a result, for the nations to achieve their level of food stability, cooperation is required. He claimed that rice accounted for 13% of all crops grown globally and had a market value of $206 billion. According to Jongsoo Shin, 10% of the world’s arable land is used to grow rice, which requires 35% of all water resources.
In order to overcome upcoming difficulties, new rice varieties urgently needed to be introduced. The IRRI representative claimed that using crisper casings and genome editing, tall rice varieties in Pakistan could have their duration reduced.
He claimed that Pakistan produces the best fragrant rice in the world. However, he continued, its production could be multiplied by using genetic diversity. Pakistan could improve its rice production, according to IRRI and UAF Vice Chancellor Dr. Iqrar Ahmed Khan.
He claimed that Pakistan was producing high-quality rice with a delicious aroma. He did, however, exhort scientists and experts to collaborate in order to create a value chain system that includes fresh innovations.
An international organisation for agricultural research and training, the International Rice Research Institute has offices across seventeen nations and its main office is in Los Baos, Laguna, in the Philippines.