The renewed agreement builds on more than six decades of cooperation between Indonesia and IRRI as both sides seek to strengthen rice production, research capacity, and climate resilience.

INDONESIA – The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Indonesia’s Badan Perakitan dan Modernisasi Pertanian (BRMP) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen rice research and development efforts in the country.

The agreement was signed on 25 May 2026 at IRRI headquarters in Los Baños, Philippines, by BRMP Director General Prof. Dr. Fadjry Djufry GRCE and IRRI Director General Dr. Yvonne Pinto.

Under the new agreement, the two organizations will work together on policy recommendations for rice development, the promotion of rice technologies, the strengthening of breeding programs, and the adoption of standardized farming systems.

The partnership will also support the development of climate-resilient and healthier rice varieties while helping build research and technical capacity.

Dr. Pinto said the agreement reflects a common goal to strengthen rice systems in the face of changing climate conditions.

“This renewed partnership reflects a shared recognition that the future of rice systems must be more climate-resilient, science-driven, and responsive to farmers’ needs,” she said. “We look forward to accelerating efforts toward shared innovations, strengthening national research capacity, and supporting Indonesia’s ambitions for sustainable and resilient rice production.”

Indonesia and IRRI have worked together for more than 60 years on rice research and technology development. During that period, Indonesia achieved rice self-sufficiency twice, supported by contributions from government agencies, researchers, farmers, and international partners.

The renewed agreement builds on earlier work, including the rollout of Rice Crop Manager, known locally as Layanan Konsultasi Padi. Both organizations aim to improve the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of rice farming systems in line with Indonesia’s national priorities.

Prof. Djufry said the partnership has already delivered important results for the country’s rice sector.

“This longstanding collaboration has played a significant role in strengthening Indonesia’s national rice sector through the dissemination of improved rice varieties, cultivation technologies, and research-based agricultural innovations,” he said. “BRMP is fully committed to continuously safeguarding and strengthening this partnership to support future agricultural resilience, food security, and sustainable rice sector development.”

The agreement comes as IRRI expands efforts across Asia to help farmers respond to climate pressures. Earlier this month, the IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), working with the Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening (UPAGREES) project in India, demonstrated mechanized direct seeded rice and other climate-smart farming practices.

The initiative aims to improve water use, reduce labor costs, and support stronger farm productivity, highlighting IRRI’s wider focus on practical solutions for rice-growing communities across the region.

Published Date: June 6, 2026