International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science. Our 10-year vision is to transform global rice-based agri-food systems through research innovations, market-driven solutions, and strategic partnerships.
We aim to use our expertise to improve nutrition, promote sustainable production, and enhance farmers’ livelihoods without compromising the environment.
Our research for development is rooted in collaboration. We form alliances with advanced research institutes; we work with governments and national agricultural research and extension systems; and we partner with the development sector and harness our ability to broker novel delivery channels through the private sector. IRRI’s work is supported by a diverse network of investors aligned to our common goals.
Your IFA Innovation Platform Profile
What collaboration are we looking for?
1. Novel fertilizer
● Conduct research on novel fertilizers (e.g. understanding their modes of action to enhance nutrient use efficiency and minimize environmental impact).
● Conduct evaluation of novel products.
2. Advancing fertilizer application technologies
● Investigate mechanized fertilizer application methods, including precision placement and drone technologies, to enhance efficiency.
3. Nutritional enhancement
● Enhance human health by increasing protein and micronutrient content.
4. GHG emission reduction
● Evaluate products (e.g. phosphogypsum) as a nutrient source and its potential for greenhouse gas mitigation, and developing concrete guidelines.
● Assess carbon finance opportunities for low-emission crop nutrition solutions in rice cultivation.
5. Soil and plant health
● Develop a minimum set of standards for evaluating soil health in rice systems.
● Conduct research on novel soil and plant sensing methods for crop nutrition diagnosis.
6. Digital innovations
● Implement AI-driven, site-specific nutrient management advisories.
● Develop user-centric digital tools and platforms.
7. Capacity building
● Develop a capacity-building program and materials on modern nutrient management practices for agronomists and lead extension officers in both public and private sectors, and regularly organize it.
What solutions and opportunities are we offering?
The IRRI offers extensive expertise and resources to support to potential partners:
● Digital decision support tools: IRRI has developed tools like the Rice Crop Manager, a web-based platform providing field-specific crop and nutrient management recommendations to enhance yields and farmer income, and
● Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission expertise: IRRI possesses a well-equipped GHG laboratory and a strong research capacity in measuring and mitigating emissions in rice systems.
● Advanced technologies: IRRI applies remote sensing (e.g. PRISM), artificial intelligence (AI), and crop modeling (ORYZA – A crop growth simulation model for rice) to support precision agronomy.
● Comprehensive data resources: IRRI maintains extensive data from nutrient response trials, including long-term experiments and other research initiatives, providing a robust foundation for precision agronomy.
● Economic modelling and impact assessments: IRRI conducts representative producer and value chain surveys, and economic and policy modelling to support precision fertilizer use.
● Market intelligence: IRRI plays a pivotal role in the development and implementation of GloMIP. GloMIP is designed to crowdsource, analyze, and share agricultural market intelligence, thereby supporting research and development investment decisions across various levels.
Additional geographies of business operation
Africa, Asia