Rice

Scientists found that a single rice gene can protect plants from drought while helping them maintain healthy growth, leading to much higher yields in field trials.

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.

The facility will be equipped with advanced machinery to improve timely seed production, increase access to certified rice seeds, and strengthen national food security.

The region, already the world’s largest rice importer, is expected to increase its import volumes further as demand for rice continues to outpace local production, driven by rapid population growth, urbanization, and changing consumer preferences toward convenience foods.

These measures, designed to formalize the sector and ensure the technical capacity of operators, have sent shockwaves through the regional rice market, prompting many traders to divert shipments to neighboring ports.