Could genetically modified rice be the answer to food shortages caused by climate change?

According to a British study, genetically modified rice could be a significant means of combating food shortages caused by climate change. Genetic modification could allow rice to continue to be grown in conditions that are becoming increasingly challenging due to climate disruption.

New research from the UK's University of Sheffield, published in the journal New Phytologist, reveals that by genetically modifying rice, it could grow as successfully in different countries and environments, despite the various consequences of climate change, such as rising temperatures or sea levels.

According to the researchers, reducing the number of stomata in rice would make it more resistant to salt water. Stomata are small openings that allow gas exchanges between the plant and the surrounding air.

This discovery comes at a time when rising sea levels, due to climate change, are allowing salt water to penetrate further inland and destroy crops that cannot withstand the increased salinity, including rice.

Today, rice is arguably the most important food crop on Earth -- some 3.5 billion people consume it every day, and 30% of the world's freshwater supply is used to grow it.

"Rice is a hugely important food crop eaten by over half the world's population on a daily basis. Ensuring that it can survive in harsher conditions caused by climate change will be integral to feeding a growing population that is projected to reach 10 billion in 60 years’ time," explains Dr. Robert Caine, lead author of the study, in a University of Sheffield news release.

In previous research, the Sheffield scientists had already noticed that rice with fewer stomata was more drought resistant and required up to 40% less water to grow.

But reducing the crop's stomata would not solve the problems alone. The researchers also found that reducing the number and size of stomata could make rice more difficult to grow in extremely hot temperatures.

Therefore, to ensure that rice can grow as much as possible in different countries and environments, a number of additional modifications will need to be made.

"Our findings reveal how rice can be modified to grow as effectively as possible in different climates -- varieties of rice that have less stomata can survive with less water and in places with salt water. Meanwhile, natural rice varieties with fewer, bigger stomata are able to thrive in hotter temperatures," explains Dr. Robert Caine.

Throughout 2022, there were several agricultural disasters around the world. Rice crops were particularly affected by drought and floods. In the summer, floods linked to the exceptional monsoon in Pakistan destroyed 250,000 tonnes of rice.

According to the Syndicat de la Rizerie Française (SRF), a global rice shortage is possible in early 2023. Difficulties could arise "from February/March, when the new harvests arrive," predicts Thierry Lievin, president of the SRF speaking to BFMTV. "If there are not outright shortages, there will at least be major supply disruptions," he warns.