Role of Biotechnology in Rice Production

Abstract

Rice is the staple food for over half of the global population and a major calorie source. It is mainly grown in the developing world. Green revolution contributed significantly toward self-sufficiency of developing countries in rice production. Demand for rice continues to increase due to the ever increasing rice consumer base. However, the present rate of rice production has slowed down in comparison to previous decades due to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Numerous biotechnological initiatives and strategies have been undertaken aiming for an enhanced rice production. Broadly, this included tissue culture, marker-assisted breeding, and genetic engineering. The major genetic gain from biotechnology toward rice production is contributed from molecular breeding. A number of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and genes have been identified and used in varietal improvement. Genes conferring tolerance to submergence stress, salt stress, drought, blast, and blight diseases have already been deployed to rice varietal improvement. Transgenic approach is mainly used for research, though efforts are being made for its commercial use. Bottlenecks in biosafety regulations need to get resolved for making this technology impactful. In addition to the direct application in varietal improvement, biotechnological tools are used in enhancing genetic understanding of complex traits which in turn plays a crucial role in strategizing the breeding programs. Further efforts are required for handling bottlenecks of breeding, particularly in resolving the complexity of agronomically important traits such as grain yield. In the post-green revolution era, biotechnology has played a significant role in fast-track rice varietal improvement, thereby grain production; however, there is a long way to go.