Manila sunset

Photo: © Nacho Hernandez

At the IRRI (International Rice Research Institute)

Photo: © Nacho Hernandez

Photo: © Nacho Hernandez


The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has its headquarters near Manila. Among rice paddies in appearance equal to those ubiquitous in Asia we find the world's top rice scientists in state of the art labs, green houses and gene banks, trying to break rice's deepest secrets. The goal, to find (or create) new varieties of rice that yield more, have more nutrients, are easier to cultivate and can grow in more difficult conditions.

2010 marks the 50th anniversary of the IRRI. This institution is considered the "father" of the Green Revolution in Asia which, by helping to dramatically increase the amount of rice produced in the region during the 60s, is credited with having saved millions from starvation.

A piece on the IRRI (photos + text) is available for publication.