- Scuba rice - developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is one way to help farmers beat the effects of climate change.
- After a 15-day flood in Bangladesh, almost 98% of the scuba rice recovered from complete submersion compared with just 10-12% of the traditional variety.
- Scuba rice has been disseminated across ten Asian countries (Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Nepal, Bangladesh and India), and is also being tested in Africa.
- Within one year of release, packets of scuba rice seeds have been distributed to 100,000 farmers across India.
- In Bangladesh, the sowing of scuba seeds could produce an additional 1 million tonnes of paddy annually, making the country more food secure and creating export potential.
- In India, IRRI and their partners aim to reach half a million households in the State of Uttar Pradesh during the next three years.
- In Africa and South Asia, IRRI and their partners aim to increase production of scuba rice by 50% over 10 years which will benefit an estimated 18 million households.
- Further research into flood tolerance is ongoing, as well as identification of genes for drought and salt tolerance.
Tuesday 22 Mar 2011 @ 12:33
Department for International Development
Department for International Development
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Ground breaking ‘scuba rice’ developed thanks to Britain has won a prestigious national award
The special flood-resistant rice can breathe under water for up to two weeks, giving it protection during the monsoon season.
It will potentially benefit 18 million farming households in Asia – providing them with valuable protection during the monsoon season.
The grain – known as scuba rice – has a flood-resistant gene and survives by extending its leaves and stems above the water's surface to escape drowning.
Scuba rice was developed by the International Rice Research Institute, and funded by the Department for International Development. It was named the most effective eco-initiative by a Government or Statutory Body at the Climate Week Awards today.
The rice will save millions of lives as rising sea levels and storms are forecast to cause a 15% drop in rice production in developing countries.
In a trial in Bangladesh, 95% of scuba plants recovered after flooding compared to just 12% for a traditional variety. Local farmer Mohammad Shahidul Islam said it was “like magic”.
The Secretary of State for International Development, Andrew Mitchell said:
“We are delighted that the UK’s groundbreaking scuba rice project has won a prestigious national award.
“Scuba rice - and other projects like it has the potential to feed millions of people who would otherwise go hungry or worse and prevent the extreme hunger caused when crops fail due to flooding.
"Experts predict that natural disasters such as floods will increase, destroying crops and livelihoods. But thanks to British taxpayers, developments such as scuba rice will help farmers in the world's poorest countries adapt to a changing climate and ensure their communities are fed."
