Bayer Crop Science recently sent a delegation to the International Rice Research Institute – South Asia Regional Centre (IRRI-ISARC) in Varanasi, India. The visit aimed to enhance collaboration on hybrid and direct-seeded rice. The delegation included four members, led by Federico Vartorelli and Hema Reddy HB. They met with Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, the director of ISARC, and other program leaders and scientists.
During their day-long visit, the Bayer team toured IRRI’s advanced research and training facilities. Discussions focused on important topics like varietal innovation, mechanization, and seed systems. They also examined strategies for market adoption of rice, with a particular emphasis on consumer preferences and the expansion of hybrid rice in India.
One of the main points of discussion was the Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) system. This innovative method allows farmers to plant rice directly in the field, reducing water use and reliance on manual labor. It is expected that 75% of rice fields in India will adopt this method by 2040. Currently, only about 11% use DSR. Bayer plans to support one million hectares of this farming method by 2030, helping over two million smallholder farmers through its DirectAcres program.
The delegation expressed a strong interest in addressing key challenges. These include improving seed availability and affordability, as well as understanding farmer acceptance of hybrid rice. They noted that urbanization is changing food preferences, and hybrid rice can meet the new demands for quality and taste.
Bayer’s representatives discussed the importance of creating partnerships across the agricultural value chain. They believe that collaboration is essential to bring sustainable solutions to scale. By partnering with IRRI, Bayer aims to advance innovations that promote climate resilience in rice production.
The DSR system is set to help farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve water. Bayer’s goal is to develop climate-resilient rice hybrids that yield more while using fewer resources. They are also working on new crop protection solutions to support DSR. This includes developing a rice herbicide to help manage weeds more effectively.
Bayer’s digital platform, FarmRise, will also play a key role in this transformation. The platform provides farmers with access to necessary equipment, advisory services, and data-driven insights to improve their farming practices. This connection to the carbon program can also help farmers earn extra income by lowering emissions.
As the global population is expected to grow to 10 billion by 2050, rice production must increase by 25% to meet demand. However, rice cultivation currently contributes significantly to climate change. It accounts for 1.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions and consumes a large amount of water.
Bayer aims to address these challenges by promoting regenerative agriculture practices. The company believes that sustainable farming can help farmers increase their productivity while improving environmental conditions. Their commitment to enhancing the lives of smallholder farmers is clear through initiatives like the DirectAcres program and partnerships with organizations like IRRI.
In summary, Bayer’s recent visit to IRRI highlights their commitment to sustainable agriculture in India. By focusing on innovation, collaboration, and farmer support, they aim to transform rice production for a more sustainable future. This partnership is crucial for achieving food security and improving the livelihoods of many farmers. Together, Bayer and IRRI are working to ensure that rice farming can meet the demands of a growing population while preserving the environment.