Rice Research Prelude to a Rice Revolution

South and Southeast Asia comprise the world's rice bowl and these regions account for 90 per cent of the total area under rice cultivation. However, the rice bowls in the hands of the people have rarely been full because of the low productivity of rice, which is due to a variety of factors. Some of the more prominent factors are the use of low yielding varieties (now being progressively replaced by high yielding varieties), heavy depen dence upon rainfall which often is either too sparse, resulting in droughts or is so heavy that vast areas are inundated, and cultivation under adverse conditions, such as poor or toxic soils, a high incidence of pests and dis eases, and poor agronomic practices. Since in many countries most of the arable land is now under cultivation, any substantial increase in rice pro duction can occur only by increasing the yield of rice per unit area. During the past decade, remarkable progress has been made in the development of high yielding rice varieties and in improving rice production technology. These incoordination with favourable weather patterns brought about a substantial increase in the production of rice in many areas. However, extensive droughts, floods, and pests and diseases from 1971 through 1974 severely impaired rice production in several countries including India. The problem was further aggravated by the acute shortages of fertilizers, fossil fuel, and power in 1973 to the present. The increasing population growth and a relatively static food production rate cause concern and anxiety about the adequacy of future food supplies. Agricultural scien tists, however, are encouraged by their research findings and are optimistic that a substantial increase in rice production can be achieved within the near future. Implementation of programs for increased rice production depends heavily on government policies regarding irrigation facilities, avail ability of inputs, and price policies. This paper reviews some of the major research findings that can contribute significantly to increasing rice pro duction.