Researchers at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), in association with their Indian partners, have achieved a major breakthrough in developing drought-tolerant rice varieties that are capable of sustaining higher yields during water scarcity. The research paper, published in the Journal of Experimental Botany, focuses on a gene variant called OsIRO2, which improved drought resilience when incorporated into the widely cultivated variety DRR Dhan 44.
The study highlights that these newly identified gene variants enhance crop tolerance during the crop’s reproductive stage, a critical period when yield is most susceptible to drought losses. By refining gene performance under limited water environment, the innovation paves a favorable pathway for climate-resilient rice production, contributing towards securing food security for millions of farmers in drought-prone regions.
By pinpointing the exact parts of the genome responsible for drought survival, breeders now have clear targets to develop rice varieties that protect farmers’ livelihoods.
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IRRI’s OsIRO2 Gene Boosts Yields
Field trials conducted across multiple locations and seasons, involving 450 rice lines, revealed that varieties carrying the OsIRO2 variant yielded 27% more grain compared to the original strain, all while maintaining yield stability. The study also showcased 67 genetic markers that are linked to drought resistance and prioritised ten key genes suitable for future rice breeding. Dr. Pallavi Sinha, scientist at IRRI, stated that farmers stand to gain from higher harvests and stronger crop resilience as climate change continues to test agriculture.
Through this finding, researchers can now develop better rice varieties more precisely that withstand water scarcity while maintaining high yields. For farmers, this means better harvests and improved resilience, especially as climate change intensifies
India’s Department of Biotechnology and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research played a major role in driving the project, paving way for marker-assisted and haplotype-based breeding of rice. IRRI aims to promote the integration of drought-tolerant genes into rice breeding programs across Asia and Africa, with the goal of distributing climate-resilient, high-yield rice varieties to farmers in drought-prone regions.
Driving India’s Rice Growth
In addition to gene discovery, IRRI is also advancing research solutions to tackle impact of climate stress. In Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi, researchers working at International Rice Research Institute South Asia Regional Centre tested sensor-based irrigation systems for direct-seeded rice, using soil moisture sensors, automated water depth monitors, and drones to optimise irrigation. The use of data-driven approach is aimed at reducing water use, while safeguarding yields in drought-prone regions.
IRRI collaborated with Banaras Hindu University(BHU) to develop Malaviya Manila Sinchit Dhan-1 after 18 years of continuous research. This high-yielding long slender grain rice variety is tailored for cultivation in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Odisha. The variety matures early, requires minimal irrigation, and yields 55–64 quintals per hectare.
These developments reflect IRRI commitment towards integrating genetic advancements, and precision agriculture to strengthen climate resilience and productivity in India’s rice sector.