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Intensification of irrigated rice systems: Learning from the past to meet future challenges

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Abstract

More than 75% of all rice is produced on irrigated land. Although the green revolution was driven by both an expansion of irrigated rice area and increased yield per unit land area, the next quantum leap must come exclusively from increasing yields on existing crop land. We review the structural changes that have accompanied the intensification process, and examine the major biophysical and economic challenges that confront Asian farmers who must further intensify irrigated rice systems to achieve a yield increase of more than 60% by the year 2025.

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Cassman, K.G., Pingali, P.L. Intensification of irrigated rice systems: Learning from the past to meet future challenges. GeoJournal 35, 299–305 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00989137

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