Improved seeds and farm technology, better irrigation, and fertilizers led to the so-called green revolution of the 1960s and 1970s. At that time, rice yields went up dramatically in
But experts warn the era of cheap, plentiful rice is coming to an end. Robert Zeigler is a plant pathologist at the International Rice Research Institute in the
"If you look at prices, if you look at global stocks, if you look at yield trends, if you look at what important rice producing and consuming countries are doing, such as
Zeigler says there are several reasons for the worsening rice shortage in
Zeigler says if the region does not address the problem, poverty will increase.
But he is optimistic that another green revolution is possible.
"We have experienced revolutions in molecular biology, in genetics, in computational power and communications that will allow us to make what would have been ten years ago unimaginable advances in plant improvement and crop improvement. So, I am convinced that if we invest our resources wisely, if we have the proper policy environment, we can create a next green revolution," Zeigler said.
The Rice Research Institute, where Zeigler works, has already developed a new variety of rice that can survive in flooded paddy fields.
Zeigler says there are scientific solutions to solve challenges such as the impact of climate change on rice production. But, he adds that governments and private donors in
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