IR8--the rice  variety that changed the world
Channel: International Rice Research Institute
Date: 2016-11-29

Also see: http://irri.org/ir8 & http://irri.org/news/hot-topics/ir8-the-rice-that-saved-asia-from-famine-celebrated

In November 2016, IRRI celebrated the 50th anniversary of the official release of the semidwarf rice variety IR8 to Asia and the world. IR8 was developed by rice scientists working at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI; http://irri.org) in the early 1960s and is believed to have saved many regions of Asia from famine after it was released in November 1966. It became popular with farmers because it had a short growth duration and a high-yield capacity related to its response to nitrogen fertilizer.

The variety was first introduced in the Philippines and India based on research conducted by IRRI scientists. The 50th anniversary of IR8 was an opportune time for IRRI to host celebratory events in India and the Philippines and to share the milestone with other regional constituencies.

See Peter Jennings' full IRRI Pioneer Interview at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNowyW0S1hI9-Fmoj9u-ZFRnF_Kvp0UNo