Abstract
Salinization, exacerbated by climate change-related factors, poses a major threat to rice production in the coastal areas, a vital rice-growing in Asia. In response to increasing soil salinity, innovative solutions are essential to ensure rice resilience and productivity. Key interventions include promoting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and scaling up the use of salt-tolerant rice varieties to foster resilience among farmers in saline coastal areas. Farmers in the coastal areas are adapting by shifting to high-yield, shorter-duration rice varieties and adjusting cropping schedules to circumvent periods of drought and salinity intrusion, which has notably boosted rice production during the autumn and winter seasons. Recently released rice varieties with enhanced tolerance to salinity and flash flooding have shown promise in maintaining yield stability under adverse conditions.
For a more resilient rice sector, Coastal countries in Asia requires a strengthening of institutional support mechanisms to flexibly respond to climate-induced salinity and other hazards. Key policy interventions to bolster rice resilience include sustained support for research and development (R&D) focused on integrated rice farming technologies that improve both productivity and resilience. Expanded research on innovative production efficiencies should be supported by accessible credit and insurance systems for rice farmers. Additionally, awareness campaigns on the adverse impacts of unsustainable practices, such as excessive groundwater pumping and agrochemical use, can encourage sustainable adaptation practices. Increased investment in breeding programs will develop varieties tolerant to multiple climate stresses, including salinity, flooding, drought, and heat, while also preserving traditional rice varieties. Enhanced application of science-based, modern technology and capacity development initiatives can improve seed quality, innovative cropping systems, pest and disease management, and infrastructure, supporting low-risk, high-efficiency farming. At the farm level, farmers are encouraged to adopt Good Agricultural Practices, prioritizing climate-ready rice varieties to counter salinization and ensure sustainable production.
Through these combined efforts, Asia’s rice sector can build resilience against climate challenges, securing food production in the face of increasing environmental pressures.
