The Philippines, as the host country of IRRI, has had access to the technology that IRRI developed. But 50 years later, the country is now the world's largest rice importer. The Philippines must import 10 percent of its rice requirement because it does not have enough rice to feed its people.
With drought, climate change and El Niño devastating crops, now is the time to examine whether fifty years (50) of hosting the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has helped the Philippines achieve self sufficiency in rice.
Modified Bulk Selection Method of Breeding Rice for Broader Genetic Diversity
Written by MASIPAG Research
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Almost two decades after the introduction of modern industrialized chemical farming in the Philippines, via the Green Revolution technologies, the unsustainability of the, so-called, miracle high yielding rice varieties has become apparent. Farmers had to buy expensive farm inputs, and then experienced low prices for their farm products, mounting unpaid loans, increasing pests and diseases, cultural debasement, insecurity and an uncertain future. There was also degradation of their immediate environment that supports their lives and livelihood.
Farmers' protest marked launch of IRRI's 50th anniversary
Written by GRAIN
Friday, 20 November 2009
IRRI was hailed for sparking the Green Revolution in 1966 with the invention of IR8. It claims that this agricultural breakthrough rescued millions of Asians from famine and poverty, but only a few decades into the Green Revolution, poverty in rural Asia had in fact worsened. Over one bilion people are hungry these days. The Green Revolution robbed Asias rice producers and brought on even greater burdens such as debts, declining yields, health problems, a ruined ecosystem, and loss of biodiversity.
GRAIN went there in solidarity with the protesting farmers. View the photo essay of the event.
