Top Rice News today highlights two New rice varieties that are DRR Dhan 92, & CR Dhan 217, to Boost production and accelerate water-smart farming. Vietnam exported approximately 925,000 metric tonnes of rice during the month, reflecting strong performance in the May 2026. Efforts of Philippines rice department to enforce the temporary ₱50 per kilogram price cap on imported rice.

India Approves Two New Rice Varieties to Boost Yields and Accelerate Water-Smart Farming

Recently, two new rice varieties developed for dry direct-seeded rice (DSR) systems have been identified for release in India. It marks a significant step toward helping farmers grow rice with less water, less labour, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The rice variety in this category is DRR Dhan 92, which combines traits for crop establishment, stress tolerance, pest and disease resistance, and grain quality. In national trials, it yielded 5.8 t/ha under direct-seeded conditions, about 18% higher than the popular variety, MTU 1010, and 5.74 t/ha under transplanted conditions. The variety has been identified for release in northeastern India through the All India Coordinated Research Project on Rice (AICRIP). Moreover, a second rice variety, that is CR Dhan 217, has also shown strong promise, delivering average yields of about 5.9 t/ha in national trials and up to 8.7 t/ha under favourable conditions in eastern India. The rice variety holds the maturity period of approximately 118 days and is well-suited to regions where planting and harvesting schedules are closely aligned with the monsoon. Its performance has led to its identification for release in eastern and central India through AICRIP.

The traditional rice cultivation involves transplanting seedlings into flooded fields. On the contrary, DSR sows seeds directly into the soil. This method can lead to a 20-30% reduction in water usage, lower labour requirements, and decreased methane emissions. However, the adoption of DSR has been limited because most rice varieties currently in use were not developed for the more challenging conditions associated with direct seeding. DRR Dhan 92 and CR Dhan 217 were selected for release after three years of national testing, which represent a significant advance in the development of rice varieties tailored for direct-seeded production systems.

Vietnam’s Rice Exports Jump 19.3% in May, Reaching 925,000 Tonnes

Vietnam’s rice exports observed a strong performance in May 2026. According to official government data, Vietnam exported approximately 925,000 metric tonnes of rice during the month. It reflects continued momentum in the country’s agricultural sector. This marks a significant 19.3% increase compared to the same period last year. It highlights not only improved export volumes but also sustained global demand for Vietnamese rice in major international markets. Industry observers mentioned that the growth comes at a time when the global rice trade is experiencing heightened competition among major exporting nations. On the contrary, Vietnam has managed to maintain its competitiveness through consistent supply chains, favourable production conditions, and strong trade relationships with importing countries. Moreover, demand from regions in Asia, Africa, and parts of the Middle East has played a vital role in driving this upward trend. Furthermore, the export surge is also projected to provide a positive boost to Vietnam’s domestic agricultural economy. Higher export volumes typically translate into better income for farmers and stronger performance for associated sectors such as milling, logistics, and shipping. Analysts suggest that the continued expansion of Vietnam’s rice exports strengthened its position as one of the world’s leading rice exporters, alongside other major producers in Asia.

Philippines Steps Up Enforcement of ₱50/kg Rice Price Cap, Issues 36 Violations

The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) has made its efforts to enforce the temporary ₱50 per kilogram price cap on imported rice. It conducts intensified inspections in public markets across the country. Furthermore, the measure was introduced by the government to protect consumers from rising food prices and to make sure that the benefits of lower global rice prices are passed on to households. During recent inspection drives, authorities issued 36 notices of violation (NOVs) to retailers discovered selling imported rice above the mandated price ceiling or allegedly mislabeling rice products. Moreover, Violations were recorded in several regions, such as Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Ilocos, Bicol, and the Negros Island Region. Officials also discovered instances where retailers were suspected of changing price labels during inspections or incorrectly identifying imported rice as locally produced to justify higher prices. The government’s monitoring campaign follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to impose a temporary maximum retail price on imported rice with 5% broken grain content. This move was aimed at addressing concerns over unjustified price increases and protecting consumers from market abuses amid supply disruptions and inflationary pressures. The Department of Agriculture stated that compliance with the price cap has improved, with nationwide adherence reaching 47.4% during the latest round of inspections. However, authorities acknowledge that challenges remain, particularly as some retailers argue that high supplier prices leave them with little profit under the current cap.

Published Date: June 4, 2026