Dhaka, June 9 -- In a significant step towards bolstering food security and supporting millions of smallholder farmers, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), in partnership with the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centres (CGIAR) and with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has launched a major initiative aimed at transforming rice production across Asia and the Pacific.

Rice, the staple diet for over half of the region's population, is also a vital source of income for rural communities.

But, the sector faces serious threats from declining productivity, water scarcity, and its considerable carbon footprint.

Experts have warned that, without swift intervention, these issues could jeopardise food security and...