The Future of Australian Rice Production
Australian rice growers are under pressure to increase water use efficiency (WUE) in order to stay competitive in the global market. Research focus is currently on 'aerobic' production, which promises to decrease water use and increase yield and farm gate price per tonne. However, immediate gains for the industry will come from addressing three key drivers of WUE: decreasing water use, increasing yield, and increasing farm gate price per tonne
The Future of Australian Rice Production
Australian rice growers are among the most efficient in the world. They use less water to produce more top quality rice than any other country. However, the future of the Australian rice industry depends on making the most of every drop of water. An urgent step-change is required for rice to remain competitive and continue to thrive as an industry. Australian rice growers must take advantage of new technology and innovations to meet the challenges of the future.
This report outlines:
- Genetics
- Australia’s Place in the World of Rice
- Factors Contributing to Increasing WUE

Figure 3: Area of Rice and Cotton in the Murrumbidgee Valley since 2005 by Water Allocation and Water Price (Source: Murrumbidgee Irrigation Ltd, SunRice, Cotton Australia, ABARES)