TO advance rice research and innovation, the Council for Partnership on Rice Research in Asia (Corra) in its recently held 28th annual meeting gathered recently agricultural leaders from across the Asia in Seoul, South Korea.
Representatives from the International Rice Research Institute from 17 member countries convened the meeting on Oct. 28-31 “to align research strategies and highlight new innovations in sustainable production, low-carbon emissions and value addition for rice markets.”
“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,” IRRI said.
Hosted by South Korea’s Rural Development Administration, the two-day event emphasized discussions on rice sector challenges, innovative solutions and regional policies designed to boost food security and climate resilience.
During the meeting, the discussion included strategies for low-carbon rice production, innovations in rice value addition and standardizing rice for global markets.
Sustainability was at the forefront of the discussion and presenters shared innovative approaches for mitigating emissions, including direct seeding, biochar application and other practical methodologies.
In his presentation, IRRI scientist Van Hung Nguyen said that incentives for carbon reductions vary from country to country, affecting the adoption of low-emission practices, while Ando Radanielson pointed out that “emissions stem more from field practices than the rice plant itself.”
Also presenting their low-carbon initiatives were representatives from Bangladesh, Cambodia and Malaysia. Cambodia particularly emphasized biochar’s benefits for organic soil quality.
From South Korea’s Crop Breeding Division, Jung-Pil Suh introduced a flour-like rice variety called the “Suweon542.”
“Suweon542 was developed to support the country’s processing industry,” Suh said adding that as direct rice consumption declines in South Korea, the floury rice aligns with shifting dietary patterns and the growing demand for processed rice items.
Representing CJ Cheiljedang, a South Korean food company, Yejin Oh insights on the company’s popular Hetbahn line that uses aseptic technology to prevent bacterial contamination in room-temperature storage.
Highlighting the different ways to meet the market’s needs and preferences, Oh also discussed innovations of low-calorie and low-protein rice products.
Indonesia and Pakistan representatives also discussed how breeding and processing technologies could respond to global demands for texture and quality.
Underscoring the need for global rice quality standards, IRRI scientist Mary Claire Custodio presented a case study from Bangladesh.
Custodio highlighted gaps in the value chain and advocated for better alignment between rice production and consumer preferences, and showed how universal processes for grading, monitoring and traceability can help ensure quality along the rice value chain.
DNA testing as a potential method for quality control was also explored by Corra members “to help meet consumer preferences and prevent variety mixing in the global market.”
The members also discussed the critical need for suitable rice varieties for dry milling, offering benefits such as lower production costs and improved product quality.
Underscoring the significant contributions of Corra and its members to advancing rice research across Asia, IRRI Director General Yvonne Pinto also said that the region “faces increasing challenges such as climate change, pest and disease threats, and evolving socioeconomic conditions, all of which demand a united response.”
In her video message, Pinto also mentioned a new regional strategy of IRRI that “prioritizes identifying country-specific needs, integrating tailored rice technologies and strengthening value chains to ensure research benefits reach those in need.”
Finally, she underscored Corra’s evolving role in influencing policy, facilitating knowledge exchange and coordinating research initiatives.
During the meeting, IRRI said the approval of the Corra Declaration affirmed members’ dedication to shared goals, such as germplasm exchange and continuous innovation in low-glycemic rice varieties.
Meanwhile, Uzbekistan proposed to host the 29th Annual Meeting in 2025. The country is the newest member of Corra and the first from Central Asia.
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