Srija Ghimire, Assistant Professor Dr. Gurshaminder Singh
Abstract- Rice (Oryza sativa) is the staple food for over half of the global population particularly in Asia. However, climate change poses significant challenges to rice production due to rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and increased frequency of extreme weather events. Traditional rice varieties with longer growth periods are highly vulnerable to these climatic shifts making food security a pressing concern. Short-duration rice varieties which mature in 90-120 days compared to 150-180 days for traditional varieties offer a promising solution to address these challenges. This review examines the potential of short-duration rice to enhance climate resilience and safeguard food security. Key benefits include adaptability to erratic rainfall and drought, reduced water consumption, increased cropping intensity, lower greenhouse gas emissions and resilience to extreme weather events. The development of drought-tolerant rice varieties further strengthens the potential for food security in rain-fed regions. Despite challenges such as limited awareness, access to quality seeds and infrastructure gaps short-duration rice holds promise for regions facing climate-induced agricultural disruptions. Advances in breeding and biotechnology, climate-smart agricultural practices and policy support are crucial for the widespread adoption of these varieties. This review highlights the critical role short-duration rice can play in ensuring sustainable and climate-resilient food systems for the future.
