Cambodian researchers set to release new variety of world's best rice , le Phka Malis (jasmine rice), more resilient to climate change.
After 14 years of research, Cambodian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), will launch by the end of 2021, a new hybrid variety of rice more resistant to climate change and with a much higher yield than non-hybrid varieties. In a country where rice is both the staple food (annual consumption of 150 kilos per inhabitant), the essential sector of agriculture (15% you PIB ) and a pillar of export (world's largest rice exporter), a new hybrid variety of rice is a boon for the entire population. Called “jasmine flower”, this new variety of rice also responds to the increase in the population which will reach 20 million inhabitants in 2030 (15 million currently). A capacity to resist flooding and a higher yield than usual will improve the working conditions and lives of farmers who will be able to produce more and therefore export in greater quantities.. Another advantage, and not the least, its excellent taste according to Lor Bunna, director of CARDI. Knowing that Phka Malis, elongated “jasmine rice”, has been crowned the best rice in the world four times, this variety looks very promising. Note that CARDI has already created more than 40 species since 1990, some of which are forgotten because they are no longer adapted to the climate.
