Taiwan researchers develop rice varieties to address climate change

Researchers at the Taoyuan Agricultural Research and Extension Station have developed three new rice varieties that are suited to warming temperatures and uneven rainfall, supporting Taiwan’s push for sustainable agriculture.

At a press conference, the institute said that rising temperatures are causing more chalky rice grains, while uneven rainfall could lead to water shortages for irrigation. Chalky grains appear opaque, white, and powdery, a sign that the rice starch is not fully formed.

The institute said the new rice variety “Taoyuan No. 5” can withstand heat and has evenly distributed starch. It can be harvested up to 10 days earlier than typical strains.

Taoyuan No. 5 can be planted as late as April, avoiding the peak irrigation period in Taiwan during February and March. It has been cultivated in coastal areas and at the end of irrigation systems, where water is often limited. The institute said that it is planted on more than 50 hectares.

Taoyuan No. 6, another new variety developed by the institute, is Taiwan’s first rice strain that supports organic farming and helps reduce carbon emissions. The institute said that it resists most pests and diseases and needs fewer pesticides.

Under organic farming, Taoyuan No. 6 can produce 4,888 kg per hectare, higher than the previous variety, Taoyuan No. 3, which yields 4,200 kg. It also uses 20% less nitrogen fertilizer, helping cut carbon emissions by 43.2 kg per hectare.

The institute said that Taoyuan No. 3 had won a top award in a Japanese rice competition. However, it faced unstable yields due to climate change and susceptibility to rice blast. To address this, the institute enhanced the variety with rice blast-resistant genes and renamed it Taoyuan No. 7.

Taoyuan No. 7 retains the larger grains and aroma of the earlier variety. It is also resistant to rice blast without spraying fungicides. Its yield is about 20% higher than Taoyuan No. 3, saving up to NT$15,000 per hectare in pesticide costs.

Some farmers in Hsinchu’s Beipu Township are switching to Taoyuan No. 7 as the area’s humid conditions make rice vulnerable to rice blast. The local farmers’ association has also used the variety to develop rice burgers.