Evaluating returns on investment in rice breeding: Evidence from selected South and Southeast Asian countries

Over 6 decades, global and national agricultural research and development (R&D) investments have driven major technological advances in rice production, enhancing food and livelihood security across South and Southeast Asia. Yet public R&D spending growth has recently slowed. This study evaluates the net economic contributions of rice varietal breeding programs by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and its national partners in Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam. Results show that research investments have yielded positive and robust economic returns, with yield gains far exceeding research costs, underscoring the enduring value of collaborative international and national R&D for sustainable rice productivity growth.