Genetic diversity of rice seems to be most perfect
Agrarian crises at several areas of the globe, especially South Asia stem from problems regarding rice cultivation but this can become a part of history too thanks to a recently propounded theory that suggests unlocking the genetic diversity of rice is one of the key factors that can help out increase production and steady the supply of one of the world's most important food crops.
Of late, in the region of 700 internationally renowned rice scientists gathered at Manila to take part in the sixth International Rice Genetics Symposium organized by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the first and foremost objective was to contribute to and talk about latest research on sequencing the genomes of various types of rice including wild rice, heirloom and modern varieties. However, apart from sharing and discussions, the Rice Genetics Symposium also remained witness to scientists’ noble efforts to render solutions to some problems having an effect on rice cultivation.
Take for instance David Makill, program leader and plant breeder of IRRI. As per Makill, the solution to the future problem of rice agriculture entails genetics to a certain extent and he also made it clear that through having more genetic information, plant breeders can build up more rice varieties that can survive drought and floods, are more resistant to pests, and have higher yields despite limited water supply and land. "The research done by scientists can provide the basic information needed to address these problems," he said. On the other hand, Robert Zeigler, Director General of the IRRI, stated emphatically that genetic research led to the development of high yielding varieties that played commendable roles in helping in stabilizing food prices, lower hunger incidence and kept natural ecosystems from being converted into farmlands.
Researchers put forward that Thailand, known as the world's biggest rice exporter and a major rice-consuming nation, can confirm the benefits of such research.
