Singapore and The Philippines explore rice innovations for global food security at IRRI

22 Aug 2024 --- As part of his state visit to the Philippines, Singapore’s president, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, visited the headquarters of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). There, he explored prospects for collaboration between the two nations in developing new low glycemic index (GI) rice varieties and more.

President Shanmugaratnam spoke to IRRI scientists and researchers, including director general, Dr. Yvonne Pinto, about the need for rice innovation in light of the rising global need for the staple crop. Demand for rice is rising due to global setbacks in food and nutrition security and because of climate change. 

Another aim of the visit to the IRRI’s headquarters in Los Baños in the Philippines was to highlight the work of the institute, as well as the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, in fostering sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation. 

Shanmugaratnam attended presentations about IRRI’s nutrition innovations, such as the low GI and high protein rice and water management research, and he took part in a low GI rice tasting session.

Last year, IRRI scientists discovered new genes responsible for low and ultra-low GI in rice, which allows for the conversion of currently popular varieties into low and ultra-low GI refined white rice varieties through conventional breeding methods. The first batch of ultra-low GI rice samples was developed from the Samba Mahsuri x IR36ae variety. 

The president received a guided tour of the IRRI’s International Rice Genebank (IRG) — the world’s largest collection of rice genetic diversity. 

Experts from the institute explained how they leverage Artificial Intelligence and high-throughput phenotyping methodologies to fast-track the development and deployment of high-yielding, climate-resilient rice varieties.

The IRG tour further showcased samples of the 67 accessions of rice seeds deposited in the IRG by Singaporean organizations like the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources. 

He met with recipients of the Lee Foundation Rice Scholarship Program, which offered young South and Southeast Asian researchers the opportunity to pursue education at leading global academic institutions.

A study conducted last year into the use of climate-smart agriculture to improve nutrition security in sub-Saharan Africa noted that over-reliance on a few high GI crops increases populations’ risk of obesity and non-communicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.