9 August 2010: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) has reported on research undertaken by a team of scientists from the FAO, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and academic institutions on temperature impacts on rice yields.

The research uses data collected in irrigated fields across six Asian rice growing countries. It finds that while daytime temperature increases contribute to better rice growth up to a point, these gains are offset by negative impacts of increased evening temperatures. The results suggest that rising temperatures have cut yield growth rate by 10-20% in several locations. The researchers highlight the potential negative impact of reduced rice yield on global food security and poverty. IRRI is a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). [FAO Press Release]