sustainable rice production Tag

As one journey comes to an end, a new opportunity arises.

Rice: Research to Production (RR2P) program offers a deep dive into the significant impact of rice science on food production and sustainability for students and researchers. IRRI Education, concluding its 17th flagship offering of the RR2P course, opens new doors for future researchers to advance rice science. “As the lead facilitator of this year’s RR2P training course, it has been a delightful learning experience with our participants from around the world, who came from different cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds, enriching each session with a diverse perspective,” Aaron Paul Landicho, IRRI Education Junior Facilitator said. This year, 13 students and 4 professionals participated in IRRI Education’s RR2P Program from May 27 to June 14, 2024.

Under IRRI’s partnership with Purdue University, eight students were given the opportunity to continue with another three-week internship that specialized in rice research projects, which included extensive hands-on laboratory and fieldwork experience. The internship concluded on July 5, 2024. Together with IRRI’s leading scientists, the participants engaged in lectures and discussions of their field expertise, exemplifying the program’s innovative spirit.

RR2P Beyond the Four Walls of the Classroom

The RR2P educational course initiative extends beyond conventional learning experiences. Combining rigorous academic training with hands-on research and cultural emission, providing students with transformative experiences, they engaged in field activities such as rice planting, designing and implementing inclusive rice research development, hands-on disease and pest indication assessment, breeding activity selections, and measuring greenhouse gas emissions, among others, which helped students gain an in-depth understanding of rice science.

Outside of IRRI, they also had the opportunity to visit several agricultural institutions and companies to learn how some challenges to global food resources are addressed by different agencies and organizations based in the Philippines including Straw Innovations Ltd in Pila, Laguna; Corteva Agriscience Asia Pacific Regional Laboratory in Tarlac; and Department of Agriculture Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization in Nueva Ecija.

Participants also visited beautiful agricultural sights in the Philippines and joined in a range of cultural experiences, such as a team-building activity at Batangas Beach, a visit to Banaue Rice Terraces, and a trip to the farmers at Victoria, Laguna. By interacting with locals, learners explored Indigenous knowledge. Jenna Matsuyama, an incoming senior botany student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, said, “I never knew anything about rice, and now I feel like I’m an expert.”

Connecting with Culture

One of the unique aspects of the RR2P course is showcasing Filipino culture. Rice is not just a staple food in the country but an integral part of Filipino culture. Throughout the program, students immerse themselves in rich traditional practices. This cultural experience helps them appreciate its significance in Filipino culture and daily life.

Students had the chance to engage with the local tribes, learning about their dances, culture, and farming practices. They enjoyed local activities like merienda and a communal feast known as boodle fight. Miles Lee, an incoming senior studying sustainable land and food systems at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, expressed, “I wanted to see how agriculture was done in other parts of the world. It is my belief that food can unite people and I have no doubt in the power of human collaboration and bringing people together. This program allowed me to do that”

Purposeful Internship Projects

Participants of the internship delve into cutting-edge research and innovative projects that address some of the most pressing challenges in rice agriculture today. Jenna shared her fruitful research experience focusing on grain quality and nutrition. Her project centered on phytochemicals and antioxidants in brown rice, aiming to enhance its nutritional value under the supervision of Dr. Nese Sreenivasulu’s laboratory.

Jenna explains, “With climate change and bad things in the air creating these free radicals that harm our bodies… If we get these antioxidants in our brown rice, which is a bulk of most people’s diet, then these antioxidants will help reduce free radicals.” This enhancement could provide dietary solutions to combat adverse effects of environmental pollutants, contributing to better public health.

Meanwhile, Miles worked on a project addressing the challenges upland farmers face. Through the help of Dr. Shalabh Dixit’s team, his research project banked on direct seeding and deep sowing of rice, a technique that could be used in areas with limited access to irrigation.

“Deep sowing is necessary because a lot of farmers in the upland areas, away from the running water, would rely on rainfall to irrigate their crops, and sometimes these areas experience drought,” Miles noted. “By planting seeds at a depth of 8 centimeters instead of 2 centimeters, rice seedlings can access water that may be deeper below the soil profile.” This approach increases the chances of crop survival during periods of drought. By understanding sustainable farming practices that are resilient to climate change, Miles aims to help address environmental challenges and improve food security.

Cultivating the Future

RR2P and the internship opportunity bridge innovation and cultural immersion, empowering students to tackle agricultural challenges. Despite the tight timelines and laboratory challenges in the internship project, the invaluable support from mentors Glenn Vincent Ong and Kimberly Ponce helped them thrive. These programs help equip future researchers like Jenna Matsuyama and Miles Lee to make a meaningful impact on the world.

“I would recommend RR2P for anyone who wants to know more about how food is grown throughout the world and how people interact with food under different systems of living. This course really makes you think about how we can help the world and find solutions. Educate, impact, and inspire; that is how I’d describe RR2P,” said Miles.

Impact for Partnership

Partnership amplifies the reach and impact of scientific research and education, creating ripples of positive change in the world of science. IRRI and Purdue University’s long-standing collaboration since 2021 has allowed undergraduate students to participate in groundbreaking rice research. Purdue and its affiliated institutions—North Carolina A&T State University, Florida A&M University, University of Illinois, Tuskegee University, and the University of Hawaii at Manoa—enabled students to partake in an RR2P course and gain firsthand experience from a three-week internship project in contribution to global efforts to enhance rice production and sustainability.

Dr. Anilyn Maningas, Head of IRRI Education, said, “This final year of our partnership with Purdue has brought together one of the best batches we’ve seen over the last three years. Continue on your journey and make a lasting impact in the world of rice research.” Through such impactful collaborations, IRRI expands and influences, fostering a network of skilled and dedicated individuals committed to transforming the rice industry.

Join the future of Rice Research! Learn about rice science through RR2P!

Visit IRRI Education and see other internship opportunities

Eighteen agriculture students and researchers from diverse backgrounds in Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, the United States, Ghana, Nigeria, and Bangladesh recently gathered at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Headquarters in the Philippines. They came together to participate in one of IRRI Education’s flagship courses, Rice Research to Production (RR2P).

The RR2P course is an immersive three-week training program that covers the basics of rice production, the changes and challenges in the rice industry from production to market, the different research considerations around the rice-based agri-food systems, advancements in rice breeding, the socio-economic and environmental aspects of rice production, latest innovations in rice science, and building effective collaborations within the international research community.

The course officially started on 27 May. Present during the opening program was IRRI’s Deputy Director General for Strategy, Engagement, and Impact, Joanna Kane-Potaka, who delivered a message emphasizing the importance of IRRI’s work, especially in the current climate where rice production must consider not only its profitability but also its environmental impact and value to consumers.

She briefly introduced some of the major projects IRRI is focusing on, particularly in the field of nutrition. After releasing low and ultra-low glycemic index (GI) rice, IRRI is now working on enhancing these rice varieties to also be high in protein. Additionally, IRRI has successfully incorporated high-yield and high-zinc traits into all its breeding lines.

Dr. Potaka concluded her message by reiterating the significant impact rice can have on the planet and its people. She expressed her excitement for participants to gain a deeper understanding of this as they progress through the course.

Building on Dr. Potaka’s message, Dr. Amelia Henry, IRRI’s Senior Scientist II in Stress Physiology and the course’s main coordinator, gave an overview of the course. She emphasized its primary objective: showcasing the significant impact of rice science. She hoped that through the RR2P course, participants would see the connection between all of IRRI’s work, from upstream research to the adoption of technologies, all aimed at making a positive impact. Another important aspect that the course intends to highlight is the importance of teamwork. Dr. Henry shared how all IRRI scientists from different backgrounds and disciplines, from breeding all the way to economics, are working together to create an impact. In a similar manner, she hopes that the participants throughout this course will also demonstrate teamwork.

Dr. Henry outlined the lectures and activities that the participants will be engaging in for the next three weeks. Apart from lectures and discussions with IRRI experts, they will also visit IRRI fields and laboratories and conduct practical activities and exercises. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to visit several agricultural institutions and companies to learn how some challenges to global food resources are addressed by different agencies and institutions based in the Philippines.

The participants also had the opportunity to meet Dr. Ajay Kohli, Deputy Director General for Research Delivery and Innovations, who previously served as IRRI’s Interim Director General. After welcoming the participants, he provided insights into the institution’s history and its current research initiatives, highlighting its commitment to agricultural development. He concluded with remarks on upcoming changes and anticipated collaborations under the new Director General, Dr. Yvonne Pinto.

Partnership for Impact

Partnerships are essential in magnifying the impact of scientific research and education. One notable collaboration is between IRRI and Purdue University. In 2021, Purdue received a grant from the National Science Foundation for the Plant Science for Global Food Security (PSGFS) Program. Since then, this collaboration has allowed eight undergraduate students from Purdue and its partner universities – North Carolina A & T University, Florida A &M University, University of Illinois, Tuskegee University, and University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa – to participate in the RR2P course at IRRI. These students gain hands-on experience and insight into cutting-edge rice research, learning directly from IRRI’s leading scientists. This immersive experience not only enhances their academic and professional development but also inspires them to contribute to the global mission of improving rice production and sustainability.

Through such partnerships, IRRI extends its reach and influence, creating a network of knowledgeable and passionate individuals dedicated to making a positive impact on the world’s rice industry.

Dr. Gary Burniske, Managing Director of the Center for Global Food Security at Purdue University was also present during the opening program.

About the RR2P Course

RR2P was conceptualized through the collaborative efforts of IRRI and Cornell University scientists, with the aim to open young scientists to the challenges and opportunities of rice science to meet the global challenges of food security and to improve the livelihoods of resource-poor rice producers.

Since its first implementation in 2007, the RR2P program has empowered over 300 individuals with the essential skills, knowledge, and networks needed to address the pressing challenges confronting the global rice industry.

Read more about the course and its impact here.

About IRRI Education

IRRI Education is the educational and capacity-building arm of IRRI. Since 1962, IRRI Education has been imparting capacity development programs in various rice science and technology disciplines and offering diverse and global learning experiences for students, early career researchers, scientists, and other professionals. It operates with five service portfolios – Short and Long Courses, Scholars and Youth Engagement, Online Learning and Product Development, Knowledge Sharing, and Advisory around Capacity Development. These pillars underpin IRRI Education’s commitment to producing holistic and integrated learning solutions, addressing learning gaps and expectations with sound educational innovations.

Visit education.irri.org to learn more

As part of the collaboration between the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Rural Development Administration (RDA) of South Korea, IRR Education, the educational arm of IRRI, is conducting a five-day intensive course on the advances of rice production participated by select researchers and extension workers from RDA’s partner countries.

Currently, 23 agricultural technicians and extension agents from Bhutan, Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, South Korea, and Myanmar have convened at the IRRI headquarters in Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines to learn about the necessary elements in growing and producing rice – from land preparation to post-harvest operations.

The training also integrates modules from the Sustainable Rice Platform’s “Driving Sustainable Rice Cultivation: Understanding the SRP Standard and Performance Indicators Training Course”, one of the most relevant courses on best climate-smart and sustainable practices in rice production. This is an intensive learning program designed to help participants relate the benefits of sustainable rice farming to farmers; explain the SRP Standards on rice cultivation and the performance indicators; and conduct data collection and assessment among farmers to measure compliance with the SRP performance indicators.

The training program was officially opened on 6 May 2024. In her welcome message, Dr. Anilyn Maningas, Head of IRRI Education, gave a brief background of the training program, emphasizing the SRP module component. She mentioned that after they complete the training and pass the certification exam, they will be awarded the SRP Authorized Trainer certification for Standard Performance and Indicators (SPI), which will qualify them to deliver training on the topic at scale.

IRRI’s Deputy Director General, Dr. Joanna Kane-Potaka also gave a message, expressing her gratitude to RDA for funding and supporting the training program. She underscored the importance of the training and their participation in it considering that it strongly aligns with IRRI’s three-fold core business including climate change mitigation, farmer prosperity, and nutritious rice.

Also present online via Zoom, were Dr. Seol Kuk-Hwan, International Technology Cooperation Center (ITCC) Head Coordinator and Director of Asian Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (AFACI), and Mr. Jiwon Park, ITCC Project Coordinator.

Dr. Kuk-Hwan recalled how the IRRI-RDA partnership, since its inception in 2020, has trained and empowered several researchers and extension workers on topics including novel and key technologies in rice cultivation. He urged the participants to ensure that the expertise gained from this training will be applied to their respective countries afterward.

For the duration of the program, the participants will be exploring the best practices, innovations, and trends surrounding rice production, visiting IRRI’s field experiments, laboratories, and facilities, and interacting with IRRI experts.

For more updates on IRRI Education’s programs, visit education.irri.org