Enhancing Rice for the Future: Advances in Yield, Resistance, and Climate Adaptability

Introduction: Rice (Oryza sativa) remains a staple food for over half of the global population, reinforcing the need for continuous scientific innovations to ensure food security. Diverse disciplines—including genetics, biotechnology, agronomy, pest and disease resistance, and climate adaptation—have significantly contributed to rice improvement. This review synthesizes scientific advancements in rice research over the past decade and identifies emerging trends and research gaps. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA framework. Peer-reviewed studies and institutional reports published from 2015 to 2025 were collected from databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, JSTOR, and PubMed. The studies were organized into five thematic areas: genetic and molecular advancements, agronomic practices, biotechnological applications, pest and disease resistance, and climate resilience. Results: Advances in genome sequencing, CRISPR/Cas9 editing, and functional genomics have enabled precise trait improvements. Agronomic practices like optimized transplanting schedules, nano-fertilizers, and biofertilizers enhanced productivity and sustainability. Biotechnological tools, including biofortification and microbial inoculants, improved rice nutritional value and resilience. Pest and disease management benefited from gene pyramiding, molecular markers, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. Climate-resilient approaches combined genomics, metabolomics, and traditional knowledge to support environmental adaptation. Conclusions: While substantial progress has been made, challenges such as biosafety concerns, limited field validation, and farmer adoption persist. Addressing these issues is crucial for translating scientific advancements into practical, sustainable, and climate-resilient rice production systems.