Rice biotechnology for developing countries in Asia

Abstract

Rice production in Asia must increase from its current in order to feed an additional 650 million consumers while ensuring profitability for countless resource-poor farmers. Biotechnology can help address these major challenges of guaranteeing food security while alleviating poverty in Asia. New processes and second- and third-generation products, It is important to note, however, that biotechnology is not a panacea for achieving food security and sustainability of rice-based agricultural systems in Asia. The tasks ahead are gargantuan and the future remains uncertain.