Abstract

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple food crop crucial for global food security. This review synthesizes recent advancements in the genetic understanding of rice and their implications for developing breeding techniques aimed at achieving high-yield and superior quality varieties. We examine the genetic basis of key traits influencing rice yield and quality, including grain size, aroma, and cooking characteristics. The paper evaluates traditional and modern breeding techniques, highlighting the role of genomic tools such as marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, and CRISPR-Cas9 technology in accelerating rice improvement. We also discuss the challenges facing rice breeding, including the genetic complexity of desirable traits, regulatory hurdles for genetically modified varieties, and environmental factors influencing breeding outcomes. Finally, the prospect for further research in rice breeding is discussed with the special focuses on sustainable breeding, climate adaptive, and nutritionally enriched rice. This review holds great utility for researchers and breeders involved in the cultivation of better rice varieties as per the growing global requirements.