Through Palay+, farmers like Josefina are learning how better water and fertilizer management can help address yield gaps and improve harvests. This week, we are recognizing the women who grow our food and the role of agricultural research in supporting their work.

At the GRPD 2026, speakers highlighted the importance of collective action in turning Africa’s rice ambitions into results. Their messages underscored the need for integrated strategies that strengthen competitiveness, resilience, and food security. See insights below. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

IRRI & JIRCAS renew research collaboration to advance low-carbon rice systems. Initial work will focus on soil microbiomes & biological nitrogen fixation, as well as assessing how AWD affects rice productivity & methane emissions across Southeast Asia. 🔗bit.ly/47YpNB0

In Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, Ms. Nhung, a member of Tien Thuan Cooperative, applies what she learned through IRRI’s RiceEco work, from mechanized direct-seeded rice to using rice straw for mushroom production and composting. Explore: bit.ly/WomanFarmerYear2026

On Day 1 of GRPD, leaders came together to examine the policies, investments, and partnerships needed to build more resilient rice markets. Participants explored the pressures shaping global rice markets, from climate constraints to trade policies, & regional cooperation.

At BKKCAW 2026, IRRI co-organized Rice Day: Transforming the Rice Sector in Asia, bringing together different stakeholders from farming communities. IRRI's Ole Sander shared how digital tools such as RiceMoRe & ORYZA can help monitor farming practices & support better decisions.

Women farmers are central to resilient, sustainable, and prosperous rice-based agrifood systems, but barriers to land, finance, information, & technology can limit their opportunities. Celebrate the week with us as we feature stories of rural women. ➡️ bit.ly/WomanFarmerYear2026

Challenges shaping international rice markets, from growing El Niño risks and shifting trade policies to rising fuel and fertilizer prices and the need for stronger supply chain resilience, were at the center of the 2026 IWRC held on 7–9 Oct. Read more: bit.ly/4yjKPok

In Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, mechanization, digital tools, and stronger market linkages help reduce production costs, manage changing water conditions, and create more value from their harvests. Read more: bit.ly/4ztutdW

How much are consumers willing to pay for low-GI rice? This study combines consumer surveys, sensory evaluations, & experimental auctions to capture how much consumers are willing to pay for low GI rice when informed about healthy diets, & the health benefits of low GI foods.

In a new op-ed, IRRI's Sofia Tesfazion looks at how efforts connect seed, irrigation, processing, finance, and markets. Read the op-ed: bit.ly/4e8cUb2

At the CCAC Annual Meeting 2026 in Bangkok, IRRI Senior Scientist for Policy Analysis and Climate Change Dr. Alisher Mirzabaev joined international partners to discuss moving agricultural methane mitigation from national commitments to implementation.

Rice Today: In Odisha, Puintala Pragati FPC has grown from two seed growers in 2022 to 48 active seed growers and shareholders, building a farmer-led seed enterprise. 🔗Read the farmer group's story here: bit.ly/4y80h6W

Regrow Ag and IRRI have signed a five-year agreement to jointly advance the development of measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) tools and greenhouse gas modeling approaches for rice-based farming systems. Read more: bit.ly/4slyAXn

At the IWRC 2026, IRRI DG Yvonne Pinto highlighted the role of science in anticipating disruptions and informing decisions, while Senior Scientist Alisher Mirzabaev emphasized predictable trade, climate-resilient tech & stronger value chains as foundations for market resilience.

Researchers identified 210 rare genetic variants linked to traits such as yield, grain quality, & stress tolerance. One rare variant of the DEP1 gene produced longer panicles & up to 9.87% more grains when introduced into the popular Swarna variety. 🔗bit.ly/4hLgxVp

Navigating uncertainties in the global rice market at IWRC 2026 Organized by The Rice Trader, in partnership w/ IRRI, this year's conference was held at a critical point as global rice markets face intense volatility moving into 2027.

How can proven agricultural innovations reach millions of farmers and deliver lasting climate impact? At the World AgriFood Innovation Conference, IRRI DG Dr. Yvonne Pinto highlighted the challenge of turning scientific breakthroughs into solutions that reach farmers at scale.