Tropentag, September 10 - 12, 2025, Bonn "Reconciling land system changes with planetary health"

Rice: A delicious future for people and planet?

International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Thailand

Abstract

Staying within planetary boundaries while ensuring economic viability and social equity—the "triple bottom line"—is critical for sustainable development. In the context of rice, a staple crop for half the world’s population, next-generation production systems must balance productivity with environmental responsibility. This presentation showcases promising innovative approaches of climate-smart agriculture, such as low-emission practices, and circular resource use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimise water and nutrient overuse, and enhance farmer livelihoods. It further explores how nutritionally improved varieties can be developed faster through modern breeding technologies. Together, these innovations point toward integrated solutions for future rice systems that align with global sustainability goals.

Contact Address: Bjoern Ole Sander, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Bangkok, Thailand, e-mail: b.sanderirri.org