Water management for food security: How does IRRI contribute?

by Bushra Humaira Sadaf, Ahmad Salahuddin, Gio Karlo Evangelista, Manoranjan Mondal

On World Water Day 2025, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) highlights the critical need for research-driven solutions in rice farming to optimize water use. As the global population rises and freshwater resources become increasingly scarce, investing in water-efficient technologies is one of the most essential interventions for sustaining rice production. IRRI has been at the forefront of this mission, developing and implementing innovative water-efficient solutions.

Rice is the staple food for more than half of the world’s population, providing a vital source of nutrition and livelihoods for billions. However, rice cultivation is also one of the most water-intensive agricultural activities, consuming up to one-third of the world’s freshwater resources.

Freshwater is in crisis. Agriculture consumes nearly 70% of the world’s freshwater, and 40% is used for rice cultivation (FAO 2016). With more than 3 billion people depending on rice as a dietary staple, ensuring food security while managing water resources sustainably has become a global priority.

On top of the growing consumer numbers, issues like inefficient irrigation practices, unsustainable water allocations, and climate change threaten freshwater availability. This generally puts agricultural productivity and ecosystems at risk. Rapid urbanization and industrial expansion further exacerbate water stress, particularly in regions where competing demands for water are intensifying.

Different regions face distinct challenges in managing water for rice farming. In South and Southeast Asia, heavy reliance on monsoon rains and excessive groundwater extraction, particularly in India and Bangladesh, has led to severe depletion. In contrast, unpredictable monsoon patterns disrupt planting cycles. In Africa, limited irrigation infrastructure forces farmers to depend on rain-fed systems, making rice production highly vulnerable to droughts and climate variability. IRRI is addressing these challenges through its region-specific R&D initiatives, water-saving innovations, and resilient farming practices to secure sustainable rice production.