IRRI and 17-county council convene to advance rice research and innovation in Asia

LOS BANOS, Philippines (7 November 2024) ~ The Council for Partnership on Rice Research in Asia (CORRA) held its 28th annual meeting this 30-31 October 2024, bringing together agricultural leaders from across the Asian region to align research strategies and highlight new innovations in sustainable production, low-carbon emissions, and value addition for rice markets.

Convened by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and composed of national agricultural research and extension services (NARES) from 17 member countries, CORRA was established to strengthen partnerships between members and the institute, and to provide a platform for sharing research and development efforts that will shape the future of rice cultivation across Asia.

This year's meeting was hosted by South Korea's Rural Development Administration (RDA) and held in Seoul, South Korea. The two-day event emphasized discussions on rice sector challenges, innovative solutions, and regional policies designed to bolster food security and climate resilience.

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Group photo from the CORRA meeting

Strategies for low-carbon rice production

Sustainability was at the forefront of discussions. Innovative approaches for mitigating emissions were shared by presenters, including direct seeding, biochar application, and other practical methodologies. IRRI scientist Dr. Van Hung Nguyen noted that incentives for carbon reductions vary from country to country, which can affect the adoption of low-emission practices, while Dr. Ando Radanielson pointed out that emissions stem more from field practices than the rice plant itself.

Countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Malaysia also presented their own low-carbon initiatives, with Cambodia particularly emphasizing biochar's benefits for organic soil quality.

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Dr. Radanielson during her presentation

Innovations in rice value addition

Dr. Jung-Pil Suh from South Korea's Crop Breeding Division introduced the "Suweon542" rice variety, a flour-like rice developed to support the country's processing industry. As direct rice consumption declines in Korea, this floury rice aligns with shifting dietary patterns and the growing demand for processed rice items.

Dr. Yejin Oh from CJ Cheiljedang, a South Korean food company, shared insights on the company's popular Hetbahn line, which uses aseptic technology to prevent bacterial contamination in room-temperature storage. Innovations in low-calorie and low-protein rice products were also discussed, highlighting the different ways to meet the market's needs and preferences.

Representatives from Indonesia and Pakistan also discussed how breeding and processing technologies could respond to evolving texture and quality demands globally.

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Tour of Harim Co. for insights on South Korean food processing innovations

Standardizing rice for global markets

IRRI scientist Mary Claire Custodio highlighted the need for global rice quality standards. She presented a case study from Bangladesh, highlighting gaps in the value chain and advocating for better alignment between rice production and consumer preferences. She also showed how universal processes for grading, monitoring, and traceability can help ensure quality along the rice value chain.

CORRA members explored DNA testing as a potential method for quality control, which could help meet consumer preferences and prevent variety mixing in the global market. There was also a discussion on the critical need for suitable rice varieties for dry milling, which offers benefits such as lower production costs and improved product quality.

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Representatives from South Korea and IRRI, hosts of the CORRA meeting

Commitment to CORRA

In a video message, IRRI Director General Yvonne Pinto underscored the significant contributions of CORRA and its members to advancing rice research across Asia. The region faces increasing challenges such as climate change, pest and disease threats, and evolving socio-economic conditions, all of which demand a united response.

She outlined IRRI's new regional strategy that prioritizes identifying country-specific needs, integrating tailored rice technologies, and strengthening value chains to ensure research benefits reach those in need. She encouraged participants to actively participate in the shaping of this strategy, underscoring CORRA's evolving role in influencing policy, facilitating knowledge exchange, and coordinating research initiatives.

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IRRI Director General Yvonne Pinto addresses CORRA members in a video message

Future collaboration

The meeting concluded with the approval of the CORRA Declaration, affirming members' dedication to shared goals, such as germplasm exchange and continuous innovation in low-glycemic rice varieties. Uzbekistan, the newest country member of CORRA and the first from Central Asia, proposed to host the 29th Annual Meeting in 2025.

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