Reviving Ancient Rice for Climate Resilience in Asia

Researchers are reintroducing ancient rice varieties that show exceptional flood resilience in a remarkable fusion of archaeology and modern agricultural science. These 3,000-year-old cultivars from the Yangtze River basin, largely abandoned during the Green Revolution, contain the SUB1A gene that allows them to survive complete submersion for up to three weeks by entering a dormant state. The rediscovery began in 2019 when archaeobotanists found preserved rice grains in underwater sites in China, prompting a broader investigation across Southeast Asia. The International Rice Research Institute has since identified over 40 distinct flood-resistant landraces maintained through traditional farming practices in remote communities.

These ancient varieties show 70-85% survival rates during flash floods (compared to 10-20% for modern varieties) and exhibit greater genetic diversity that resists multiple climate challenges. While yielding 15-20% less than modern varieties under ideal conditions, they significantly outperform them during floods. Over 100,000 hectares are now planted with these rediscovered varieties, representing agricultural innovation, economic stability, cultural heritage preservation, and a more sustainable, resilient approach to farming that may serve as a template for addressing climate challenges in other regions.

https://www.ihadnoclue.com/article/1092446590678335489