Trends in rice research: 2030 and beyond

Rice production and research have met unprecedented challenges in recent years. Yield and total production have plateaued for many years in some major producing rice-producing countries while the demand from populations in poverty is ever increasing. For example, more than 100 million additional people became extremely poor, mostly from Asia and sub-Saharan Africa in 2020 alone. Rice is not only the calorie source for half of the global population but also the key staple food for the world's poorest and undernourished people living in Asia and Africa. In this review, we have analysed the trends in rice research in the past three decades, particularly on the mega-projects that attempted to revolutionize rice yield, sustainability and quality of both Asian (Oryza sativa) and African (O. glaberrima) rice, with their impact on rice cultivation. We have also analysed the trends in population growth, rice cultivation, production, price and consumption along with their projections for 2030 and beyond. Furthermore, we have analysed recent trends in variety release using Bangladesh as an example. Finally, we have identified the future challenges and priorities of rice research.

Automated summary

Rice production and research are facing unprecedented challenges, with stagnant yields and increasing demand from populations in poverty. This review analyzes the trends in rice research over the past three decades, focusing on the impact of mega-projects on rice cultivation and identifying future challenges and priorities.