Daily TribuneThrough the agricultural genomics center, scientists can explore ways on improving traits of crops so they become more resilient to drought and pests and more productive.
South Korea will be building an agricultural genomics center in the University of the Philippines Los Baños or UPLB to ensure global food security.
This project is part of the six-year academic program between the Korea International Cooperation Agency and the International Rice Research Institute in Los Baños, Laguna.
"This facility is but one of the many steps that we will be taking together as we endeavor to develop more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices for farming communities all over the world," IRRI Interim director general Dr. Ajay Kohli said.
Improving traits of crops
Through the agricultural genomics center, scientists can explore ways on improving traits of crops so they become more resilient to drought and pests and more productive.
Under the KOICA-IRRI partnership, Filipino scientists can obtain doctoral degrees from Korean universities and share their knowledge to younger students at the agricultural genomics center.
"Ultimately, we hope that this space can foster scholars who can help farmers from all over the world improve their competitiveness and productivity amidst global challenges," Kohli said.
Expanded advanced internship programs
The IRRI said it has expanded advanced internship programs to 10 as the agriculture industry faces growing concerns on climate change, rapid urbanization of farm lands, and increasing global population.
According to the United Nations, global population could increase by 2 billion in 2050.
It adds over 50 percent of people worldwide consume rice, while 95 percent of global rice output also comes from developing countries.
In the Philippines, however, agricultural land has shrunk by 48 percent since 1980, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Its data show agricultural land was reduced to 1.9 million hectares in 2012 from 3.6 million hectares in 1980.
"May the center become a beacon for scientific progress and sustainability not only in the Southeast Asian region but also throughout the world," UPLB Chancellor Jose Camacho said.
