International Rice Day: Innovation and responsible management in the face of crop diseases

Each October 31st marks the International Rice Day, a date that highlights the importance of this crop for global food security and for millions of families that depend on it as sustenance and a source of income. In the case of Peru, rice is one of the pillars of the country's food security. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI), per capita consumption reaches 47.4 kg per person per year, reflecting its everyday presence on Peruvian tables. At the production level, the crop holds a prominent place: in June 2025 alone, a national production of 788,000 tons of husked rice was recorded, representing a 26% growth compared to the same month of the previous year. Production is mainly concentrated in La Libertad, Piura, and Lambayeque, regions that contributed more than 70% of the national total. However, the management of fungal diseases continues to be one of the biggest challenges to maintaining the profitability and quality of the grain. ...