Sustainable Growth And Innovation Take Center Stage At 2025 World Rice Conference

21 November 2025, Cambodia: The 2025 International World Rice Conference, organized by The Rice Trader in partnership with Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce, successfully brought together global stakeholders in rice production, trade, and research for a dialogue on sustainability, market efficiency, and future food security, with a focus on international rice trade.

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) joined the WRC stage to pay homage to its shared history with the Royal Government of Cambodia and to ignite new opportunities for partnership.

In his keynote address, His Excellency Sok Chenda Sophea, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, reflected on the country’s long-standing collaboration with IRRI: “In the 1970s, Cambodia sent over 700 traditional rice varieties to the International Rice Genebank in Los Baños, Philippines. After the devastation of war, these conserved varieties allowed us to restore our rice heritage.”

Amidst current climate and trade challenges, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of research and technology: “It is crucial to advance innovation in the rice sector through partnerships among governments, universities, and research institutions. Together, we can develop high-yielding, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient rice varieties, while harnessing digital technology, artificial intelligence, and smart irrigation to improve productivity and reduce costs.”

In her opening address, Her Excellency Cham Nimul of the Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Cambodia highlighted the country’s remarkable rice sector growth. National production has nearly doubled since 2009, increasing from 7.6 million metric tonnes to almost 15 million metric tonnes in 2025. Exports now reach over 121 international markets, including the EU, China, Asia, and the Middle East. “These accomplishments speak to the resilience and hard work of our farmers and the strength of partnerships across our government, the private sector, and international organizations.”

IRRI Director General Dr. Yvonne Pinto highlighted the value of science in supporting Cambodia’s rice sector: “Scientific innovations must translate into tangible benefits for farmers. By combining research with global trade intelligence, we provide clear, data-driven insights for traders and policymakers. Cambodia is already demonstrating leadership in high-value, sustainable rice, and together we can ensure these advancements support inclusive growth and food security.” Dr. Pinto emphasized the enduring contributions and support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), General Directorate of Agriculture (GDA), Cambodian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), Royal University of Agriculture (RUA), Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (PDAFF), and other Cambodian agencies as vital to the realization of these long-term goals.

The two-day conference featured expert discussions on Cambodia’s rice trade and security, regional market trends, technology and sustainability, quality milling, market outlooks for the Americas, and the World’s Best Rice Award, where the Philippines emerged as runner-up, and for the first time, Cambodia and Vietnam shared the top spot.

A key moment for IRRI was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to IRRI Director General Dr. Yvonne Pinto. The award recognizes Dr. Pinto’s leadership of IRRI and her lifelong commitment to science and partnerships for sustainability and global food and nutrition security.

IRRI and The Rice Trader have partnered to connect scientific innovation with global trade intelligence, generating data-driven insights for traders, policymakers, and industry leaders. By enhancing market transparency and access to reliable information, the partnership aims to support governments and the private sector in informed decision-making, and a more sustainable and equitable global rice industry.

Also Read: UPL’s Low-Methane Rice Project Wins Global SBCOP Award at COP30

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