Dhaka: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and CGIAR, with support from the Gates Foundation, have launched a new initiative aimed at boosting investment in sustainable and low-carbon rice production. This effort is designed to enhance the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers across Asia and the Pacific.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, rice is a vital component of daily sustenance for more than half of the region’s population and a critical source of income for many rural poor. However, the sector is under increasing pressure due to challenges like declining productivity, reduced water availability, and its significant greenhouse gas emissions.
An ADB press release highlighted the urgent need to address these challenges to safeguard food security and improve the welfare of vulnerable communities. Fatima Yasmin, ADB Vice-President for Sectors and Themes, emphasized the importance of rice to the region’s food security, noting that it provides a substantial portion of calorie intake and is crucial for the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers.
The new ADB-CGIAR Clearinghouse Facility, co-financed by the Gates Foundation, will promote the adoption of resilient, high-yield, and low-emission farming practices. It aims to ensure sustainable water use, support inclusive value chains, and enhance nutrition for the poorest in the region. ADB plans to invest up to $1.5 billion in this program from 2025 to 2030, as part of its broader commitment to transforming food systems.
Yvonne Pinto, Director General of the International Rice Research Institute, a CGIAR network member, expressed optimism about the collaboration. She highlighted the potential for scaling up innovations in rice systems with partners like ADB and the Gates Foundation to transform the rice sector and improve smallholder farmers’ lives.
Initial projects under this initiative are being developed in Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Pakistan, and the Philippines.