By Leander C. Domingo

THE 3rd International Conference on Rice for the Future 2024 discussed an array of topics, one of which was the solutions to salinity challenges by Glenn Gregorio, Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca) director.

The event was organized by the Thailand Rice Science Research Hub of Knowledge, Rice Science Center, Kasetsart University, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, and National Science and Technology Development Agency.

Held in Nonthaburi, Thailand, on Nov. 14 to 15, the event brought together over 200 leading rice scientists, researchers and students.

In his presentation, Gregorio discussed the challenges that salinity presents to plant breeders and introduced technologies and solutions to address these issues.

He highlighted several Searca publications exploring climate change’s impacts, particularly saltwater intrusion on Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, and strategies the communities have adopted to address these challenges.

In the development of rice varieties, Gregorio proposed relevant policy interventions that include “promoting and supporting research and development toward the expansion and wider adoption of integrated rice farming technologies that ensure high productivity and resilience.”

“With these integrated technologies available, solutions for better response to salinization could be realized,” he said. “A wider adoption among farmers and their timely, coordinated implementation in coastal areas is very crucial.”

Emphasizing the importance of complementing innovative rice production techniques with tangible financial solutions like credit and insurance, the Searca Center chief also suggested policies on mainstreaming the adverse impacts of unsustainable practices.

Gregorio’s suggested policies include extensive groundwater pumping and agrochemical application, and investing in varieties that are flood-, drought-, heat- and saline-tolerant, along with establishing a breeding program for new varieties while continuing to support traditional rice varieties.

Other topics discussed during the conference include rice omics and breeding, resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, the impact of climate change on rice, innovative processing and product development for healthy rice products, health-related initiatives, medical and pharmaceutical applications, and advancements in agri-technology.

Also among the speakers was climate change expert Reiner Wassmann, former International Rice Research Institute senior scientist, and Searca senior fellow.

Published Date: November 27, 2024