Rice feeds more than two billion people worldwide and
is the number one staple food in Asia, where it provides
40–70% of the total food calories consumed. Rice is
also used for animal feed and provides the major source
of income for rural people; high-quality rice brings in
additional income. Due to the Green Revolution, a
quantum leap in rice yield took place over the past three
decades, although increased food production did not
eliminate poverty and hunger. The yield increase did
help to avert famine and prevent a greater disruption of
the food supply in Asia—unlike in some countries of
Africa, where a lack of infrastructure and political will
resulted in the failure to take advantage of Green Revolution
techniques.
Today’s global population of six billion is expected
to reach eight billion by 2020. We must therefore produce
25–40% more rice with less land and water and
with a reduced use of agrochemicals. Rice yield has
been stagnant for the last three decades, despite the
improved varieties and technologies in place. Therefore,
biotechnology—particularly genetic engineering—may
provide ample scope for enhancing rice yield and plant
protection, enable rice to grow in drought and saline
conditions, and lead to more nutritious rice for reducing
malnutrition.