IRRI Director General Discusses Cutting-Edge Science to Boost Rice Production, Increase Farmers’ Incomes, and Conserve the Environment

If we want to do something about poverty, we need to invest in rice, said Dr. Robert Zeigler (left), Director General of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), speaking at the launch of a new seminar series organized by the CGIAR Fund Office. Rice is the primary staple for half the world’s population and 75 percent of those living in extreme poverty, as well as the fastest growing staple food crop in Sub-Saharan Africa. By 2035, an additional 114 million tons of rice will be needed to meet demand, added Zeigler during his presentation at the World Bank. (Read more...)