Singapore looking to develop healthier rice varieties with the Philippines

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam (centre) and his spouse, Jane Ittogi, touring the International Rice Research Institute on Saturday (Aug 17). – The Straits Times

MANILA: Singapore is looking to work with the Philippines to develop rice varieties that are more resistant to droughts and floods, and are also healthier to tackle a diabetes epidemic sweeping across Asia.

Speaking at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) at the end of his three-day state visit to the Philippines on Saturday (Aug 17), President Tharman Shanmugaratnam said the two countries are collaborating in a number of areas to protect biodiversity and sustainability. This includes rice cultivation, which is under serious threat from climate change.