IR8

IR8 is a high-yielding variety of rice that was developed in the 1960s by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). It is often referred to as "miracle rice" due to its ability to prevent famine in several Asian countries.

History

IR8 was developed by crossbreeding two varieties of rice, one from Indonesia and one from China. The goal was to create a strain that could withstand a variety of growing conditions and produce a high yield. The result was a variety that could produce up to ten times the yield of traditional rice varieties.

The development of IR8 marked the beginning of the Green Revolution, a period of significant increase in agricultural production due to the use of new technologies and methods. The success of IR8 led to the development of other high-yield varieties, which have played a crucial role in preventing famine in many parts of the world.

Characteristics

IR8 is a semi-dwarf variety, which makes it resistant to lodging, a common problem in rice cultivation where plants fall over due to wind or rain. It also has a short growing period, allowing farmers to grow more than one crop per year.

Despite its high yield, IR8 has fallen out of favor in recent years due to its taste. Many consumers prefer the taste of traditional varieties, leading to a decrease in the cultivation of IR8.

Impact

The introduction of IR8 has had a significant impact on global food security. It has been estimated that the use of IR8 and other high-yield varieties has saved millions of lives by preventing famine.

However, the reliance on a small number of high-yield varieties has also led to a decrease in biodiversity, which could have long-term implications for food security. There are also concerns about the environmental impact of the intensive farming methods associated with high-yield varieties.

See also

• Green Revolution
• International Rice Research Institute
• Food security