abc.net.au/news/trials-begin-to-breed-water-efficient-rice/101814734There is growing optimism about the rice industry's ambitious water efficiency goal, but some growers are questioning if it can be achieved in the time frame given.The rice industry wants to increase water efficiency by 75 per cent over five yearsLast year, Rice Breeding Australia was created to research rice varieties that do not need as much water to grow.The latest five-year average for rice production is about 0.
"We look to take those best ones forward for the growers to have and start to meet those water productivity targets," she said. Rice crops are susceptible to cold temperatures, so a blanket of water is needed to keep it insulated, for almost the entire growing season.Mr Hollins also thinks the target will be challenging to reach.