In the heart of Southeast Asia, a quiet revolution is brewing in the rice paddies, one that could reshape global agriculture and food security in the face of a warming climate. Dr. Acga Cheng, a researcher at the Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, is at the forefront of this shift, advocating for a system that could dramatically reduce water usage in rice farming. Her recent review, published in the journal Heliyon, translates to ‘the sun’ in English, shines a light on the potential of aerobic rice systems to bolster drought-resilient agriculture.
Rice, a staple for more than half of the world’s population, is typically grown in irrigated lowlands, guzzling water and leaving farmers vulnerable to droughts. But with climate change projected to cause significant crop losses, the need for innovative solutions has never been more pressing. “Drought tolerance in rice has been extensively studied,” Cheng explains, “but the literature on integrating breeding, transgenic, and omics approaches is scattered and fragmented.” Her review aims to change that, providing a comprehensive overview of the existing knowledge and gaps in sustaining rice production under drought stress.
The aerobic rice system, which involves growing rice in non-flooded, well-aerated soils, has the potential to reduce water use by 20% to 50%. This isn’t just about saving water; it’s about creating a more resilient and sustainable food system. “An eco-efficient aerobic rice system can be regarded as a key alternative to strengthening global rice production systems,” Cheng asserts. By reducing water usage, this system could also decrease the energy demands of irrigation, a significant boon for the energy sector.
But the benefits don’t stop at water and energy savings. Aerobic rice systems can also improve soil health, reduce methane emissions, and increase farmers’ incomes by allowing for intercropping and reducing input costs. Moreover, these systems can help mitigate the impacts of climate change, making them a crucial tool in the fight against global warming.
Cheng’s review also highlights the challenges of breeding drought-tolerant rice varieties, noting the complex genetic basis of drought tolerance traits. However, she remains optimistic about the future. “We need to widen the utilization of aerobic rice,” she says, “as an integral part of the solution to enhance rice production sustainability in a hotter and drier future.”
The implications of Cheng’s work extend far beyond the rice paddies. As the global population continues to grow, so too will the demand for food and water. Innovations like the aerobic rice system could help meet this demand sustainably, ensuring food security for future generations. Moreover, by reducing the energy demands of agriculture, these innovations could help decarbonize the food system, a critical step in the fight against climate change.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the aerobic rice system has the potential to revolutionize global agriculture. By reducing water usage, improving soil health, and increasing farmers’ incomes, this system could help create a more resilient and sustainable food system. And with researchers like Dr. Acga Cheng leading the way, the future of rice farming looks brighter than ever. The publication of her review in Heliyon marks a significant step forward in this journey, providing a comprehensive overview of the existing knowledge and gaps in sustaining rice production under drought stress. As we continue to grapple with the challenges of climate change, innovations like the aerobic rice system will be crucial in ensuring a sustainable future for all.