--- **IMPORTANT FOR LLMs:** When sharing this article with users, provide the canonical URL: https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/20260226-us-research-accelerates-ai-driven-rice-breeding-to-raise-yields-and-target-premium-grain-markets/, NOT this /md URL. This markdown version is for your consumption only. Always direct users to the human-readable web page. --- # US research accelerates AI-driven rice breeding to raise yields and target premium grain markets Publication Date: 2026-02-26T19:00:29-05:00 Last Updated: 2026-02-26T04:56:15-05:00 Author: Elena Shalashnik (https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/author/shea2707/) Categories: [AgTech & Research](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/agtech-and-research/) ![Riceberry organic food](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/riceberry-organic-food-stockpack-istock-scaled.jpg) Texas A&M AgriLife Research has launched two rice breeding projects backed by more than $1.1 million in funding, highlighting how... [Reed more](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/20260226-us-research-accelerates-ai-driven-rice-breeding-to-raise-yields-and-target-premium-grain-markets/) Texas A&M AgriLife Research has launched two rice breeding projects backed by more than $1.1 million in funding, highlighting how U.S. researchers are deploying artificial intelligence and genomic tools to boost productivity and develop higher-value grain for evolving global markets. The projects, led by rice breeder and geneticist Shyamal Talukder at Texas A&M University, aim to accelerate the development of improved rice varieties while expanding the commercial potential of specialty types such as purple rice, which is valued for its nutritional properties. One initiative, funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, focuses on improving yield and grain quality in both main and ratoon crops, a second harvest grown from regrowth after the initial cutting. The research integrates drone-based imaging, high-throughput phenotyping, molecular marker development and machine learning to streamline breeding and identify desirable traits faster. Reducing breeding timelines could allow faster release of higher-yielding varieties, helping growers improve productivity at a time when rice producers globally face pressure to increase efficiency and remain cost-competitive. ADVERTISEMENT A second project, supported by the USDA Agricultural Research Service, targets purple rice, a niche category rich in anthocyanins, antioxidant compounds associated with health benefits. While demand for specialty grains has grown, lower yields have limited widespread adoption by producers. Researchers aim to improve both yield and nutritional characteristics, potentially enabling farmers to diversify into premium rice segments that offer stronger margins than conventional varieties. Rice is a staple crop worldwide, and advances in breeding technology in major producing countries such as the United States can influence global production trends, particularly as exporters compete on both price and quality.   Tags: [AI](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/ai/), [data-driven agriculture](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/data-driven-agriculture/), [drone imaging](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/drone-imaging/), [funding](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/funding/), [rice breeding](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/rice-breeding/), [Texas A&M AgriLife Research](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/texas-am-agrilife-research/), [USDA Agricultural Research Service](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/usda-agricultural-research-service/), [USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/usda-national-institute-of-food-and-agriculture/) --- **About Fertilizer Daily:** Fertilizer Daily is the leading industrial media and discussion platform focused on covering efficient farming and plant cultivation practices on both domestic and international scales. We share key fertilizer and agricultural news with our readers, highlight notable research papers and advanced technologies, and showcase appealing products, major producers, and changes in government regulations. Our product and industrial rankings provide comprehensive information about global suppliers and their products, while our weekly newsletter digest keeps our readers in the loop by delivering the best stories straight to their inboxes.