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Joint Message from the Interim Director General and Chair of the Board of Trustees
The year 2023 was good for IRRI breakthroughs. IRRI led the charge in scientific and systems innovations in rice science. IRRI’s initial salvo for its low glycemic index (GI) rice at the 6th International Rice Congress (IRC2023) was met with positive response following its endorsement from Philippine President H.E. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. This provided a strategic push for IRRI to work more closely with the Philippine Department of Agriculture, through the Philippine Rice Research Institute, on next steps to accelerate the release of these healthier varieties to the market.
IRRI developed groundbreaking protocols of Speed Breeding for indica and japonica rice that will accelerate the development of climate-resilient new rice varieties within 4 years. We developed technological platforms to help farmers tide over the increasingly negative effects of climate change, without compromising yields. For example, the Rice Crop Manager (RCM), locally known as Layanan Konsultasi Padi (LKP) in Indonesia was formally launched in its Version 2. We also signed a more farmer-friendly agreement with Philippine partners to establish an ‘area-based yield index’ insurance for rice, using satellite data from the Philippine Rice Information System (PRiSM). Through the CGIAR Asian Mega-Deltas Initiative, we introduced the Climate Smart Maps and Adaptation Plans (CS-MAP) tool, which helps smallholder farmers to mitigate the effects of flooding, drought, and salt intrusion in their lands. In Vietnam and India, pilot demonstrations on Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) resulted in an increase in farmers’ incomes while saving seeds, water, and labor inputs, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Beyond IRRI, our work within the One CGIAR placed emphasis on synergized approaches to harmonize breeding processes and product development opportunities across research centers handling the world’s most vital crops and resources. For example, the Global Market Intelligence Platform (GloMIP) and the Breeding Portal were successfully linked to strengthen decision-making in CGIAR crop breeding programs. The adoption of IRRI’s OneRice breeding strategy by the Global Rice Breeding Program (GRBP) is beginning to revolutionize breeding operations across the CGIAR. It includes developing market segments and breeding pipeline frameworks for new and desirable varieties preferred by the farmers.
2023 was also filled with pride and honor. Our scientists gained recognition as key food systems innovators on the global stage for agricultural research and development. These accomplishments represent the scientific pedigree we support and nurture and the culture of innovation that we uphold in what we say and do.
As we look ahead, IRRI will continue to explore innovative pathways in digital transformation, data driven solutions, and farmer-centric approaches to ensure that we remain at the forefront of agricultural innovations. I would like to thank our global network of partners and enablers for their continued trust and collaboration. Together, we will make a difference in the lives of millions and lay the groundwork for a sustainable, food-secure future, through rice. We look forward to your continued partnership and to more shared wins in the following years.
- Dr. Ajay Kohli - Interim Director General
In 2023, IRRI has made significant strides in delivering innovative solutions through our cutting-edge research in climate-resilient rice varieties, water-saving technologies, and precision agriculture, all of which would not have been as resounding without the support and trust of our partners and funders. A significant portion of your investments went into research endeavors that aimed to increase farmers’ yield, improve consumers’ health, and accelerate speed of varietal production and distribution. We used this year to enter into even more strategic partnerships with the goal of furthering our intended short and long term outcomes, particularly as it relates to our climate and nutrition work.
Among IRRI’s pivotal 2023 highlights is its membership to the First Movers Coalition for Food, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, which “aims to accelerate sustainable farming and production methods and technologies by leveraging collective demand for low-carbon agricultural commodities.” Having IRRI included in this global undertaking further validates our bold aspirations of promoting sustainable rice-based food systems. Among these initiatives is the 1 Million Hectare High Quality and Low Emission Rice Program in Vietnam. We are keen to leverage similar global partnerships to expand this aspiration and program to other countries and regions where IRRI is present and where the needs for similar research interventions are just as urgent.
Indeed, our expanded global partnerships with governments, research institutions, and the private sector have diversified and increased our portfolio and enabled us to accelerate the adoption of resilient rice technologies across Asia and Africa. We are grateful to our investors for enabling IRRI to directly support global efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to zero hunger, climate action, and sustainable agriculture.
We capped off 2023 with even more exciting news, with the recruitment of Dr. Yvonne Pinto as IRRI’s new Director General. We are excited for the energy and innovative thinking that she will bring to the table as IRRI’s current strategy draws to a close and a new one takes shape. IRRI is bracing for even more meaningful impact and we hope to take you along with us.
- Dr. Cao Duc Phat - Chair of the IRRI Board of Trustees
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