The Importance of Biodiversity in Rice Production

19/02/2024

When it comes to rice production, we are seeing a renewed interest in biodiversity. It plays a crucial role not only in the preservation of natural ecosystems, but also in the sustainability and efficiency of rice farming itself.

Biodiversity in terms of rice varieties is not only a genetic asset that should be preserved for future generations; it is also an essential resource for tackling the challenges imposed by climate change, crop diseases, and the demands of a market increasingly focused on superior quality and sustainable products.

Since the diversity of rice species directly affects crop resilience, adaptability to climate change and agricultural practices, it also becomes strategic from an economic perspective.

What do we mean by rice biodiversity?

Rice biodiversity refers to the ability to grow a wide variety of species, each with its own unique characteristics and specific adaptations.

This kind of genetic diversity is a very attractive resource for the rice sector, as it offers a wide range of options for meeting environmental and agronomic challenges.

Rice varieties can be distinguished by the shape, flavor, and texture of the grain — all of which impact the outcome of a dish — as well as their ability to resist disease, pests and adverse weather conditions.

In addition, growing different varieties of rice helps preserve the balance of local ecosystems by reducing dependence on monocultures that can deplete soil resources and increase vulnerability to diseases and pests.

On top of enriching our agricultural heritage, biodiversity also plays a key role in ensuring the resilience and long-term sustainability of rice crops.

The potential of biodiversity in the rice sector

Promoting biodiversity presents several challenges but offers significant opportunities too. One of the greatest challenges is integrating biodiversity practices into agricultural systems often dominated by monovarietal crops. This requires a change in both farming techniques and mindsets, which can be facilitated through incentives, training and support for farmers.

Another major challenge is climate change, which is altering growing environments and introducing new threats in terms of diseases and pests. In this case, biodiversity can be part of the solution, as growing more resilient and adaptable varieties can help mitigate some of these impacts.

Future opportunities are equally important. The growing demand for sustainable and traceable food products offers a potentially large market for rice varieties grown in a way that fosters biodiversity. In addition, innovation in agricultural research, including the development of new rice varieties and cultivation techniques, could further strengthen biodiversity in the sector.

Finally, biodiversity can play a key role in precision agriculture, where the use of advanced data and technologies enables more efficient and targeted crop management, maximizing the benefits of genetic diversity.

How to implement biodiversity practice in rice cultivation

Biodiversity in rice production can be achieved by integrating local and traditional varieties with newer species developed for specific resistance or particular qualities. For example, traditional varieties such as “Basmati” and “Jasmine”, known for their distinctive flavors and culinary qualities, can be grown alongside newer varieties developed to resist specific diseases or adapt to drought conditions.

Another example is the use of “black” or “red” rice varieties, such as Oryza sativa in the “Nerone” or “Wild Red” variations. As well as color and nutritional diversity, these grains often possess greater resistance to stressful environmental conditions and diseases.

Furthermore, agricultural techniques such as intercropping can be used to grow different varieties of rice together or alternating with other types of crops. This not only increases biodiversity but also improves soil health and reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers, contributing to a more sustainable agricultural system.

Finally, we must consider water management practices. Different species of rice have their own particular water requirements. Some varieties have adapted to conditions with less water and can be grown in areas where water is a limited resource. This diversification in irrigation practices can be a key element in sustainably managing water resources in agriculture.

New frontiers for biodiversity in the rice sector

The European Commission’s initiatives, which include a strategy to strengthen Europe’s organic stock by 2030, have prompted broad discussions in the world of agriculture. This strategy, known as “Farm to Fork”, aims to establish clear objectives and specific guidelines for managing agricultural resources sustainably.

At the heart of this strategy are several focal points: reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, expanding organic farming, increasing protected areas, and enhancing areas of high biodiversity. These goals are reflected in a planned decrease in the use of chemicals and a significant increase in land devoted to organic farming.

In response to these directives, rice industry experts are carefully evaluating potential effects and opportunities. A crucial issue is how these new policies will affect farming practices, particularly in areas already subject to stringent environmental regulations.

The debate also focuses on how feasible and realistic these goals are. While some see these directives as a push toward more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, others express concerns about whether these goals can be achieved without compromising the productivity and economic viability of farms. There is also a growing interest in the role of scientific and technological innovation in achieving these goals, such as advanced biotechnology and precision agriculture.