Agricultural Technology on Rice

Nicole J. Salvador                                 Prof. Dwight David A. Diestro

2014-03460 / U46                                Paper: Rice World; November 4, 2016

Agricultural Technology on Rice

International Rice Research Institute and RiceWorld Museum

        On the skirts of UP Los Baños, we will find the headquarters of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). IRRI is an non-profit organization centered on agriculture. The research facility comprises of offices, glass houses, laboratories, etc.  which are all focused on rice – its cultivation and propagation. Apart from these facilities, the RiceWorld Museum could also be located in IRRI. The idea for a museum for rice started in 1983; there were visions of a gallery showcasing the importance and history of rice. The concept was realized and the museum began operating in 1994.

My Trip to the RiceWorld Museum

        Roughly 2 weeks ago, I went to the museum, as required. Fortunately, I was able to bring a friend so I wouldn’t be alone. While this didn’t take place in the museum, I was amused by the price of rice in the cafeteria. In another note, the museum was wonderful, however small and quiet. There were tons of interesting materials in the museum, mostly things used throughout time for faster and more efficient farming (agricultural technology) such as plows, irrigation materials, etc. It shows history subtly through the materials being displayed; one could see the changes and transformation of the farming tools, from simple wooden tools to advanced ones. Apart from history, it also exhibits how rice influences different cultures. Another thing that struck my attention was the panel showing the ever-growing world population.

Importance of Rice on Economy, Culture, and Health

        It is very much apparent that rice is a global staple food. With that said, rice is one of the three leading crops in the world. Half of the world’s population, or 3.5 billion people eat rice on a daily basis and most of them do for survival. Rice is very much low on fats and rich in carbohydrates, a nutrient that provides energy. Since there is such a high demand for rice all over the world, production of rice helps the economy. For instance, the Philippines focuses on its agricultural potential and it exports tons of crops including rice, of course, daily. Not only is it profitable, but is also provides jobs to people. Agriculture existed even in the beginning of times and men and thus is very influential and valuable to culture. Rice is crucial in the Asian culture; an example would be the Chinese who have been producing rice for 4 millennia already. This can be seen in Chinese festivals centered on rice such as the Spring Festival.