Microsoft founder Bill Gates has pledged to donate nearly $20 million to the International Rice Research Institute for research into helping rice farmers deal with global warming.

The Philippines-based institute said it would use the donation from the Microsoft founder to harness scientific advances and address major unsolved problems in agriculture.  The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will release the $19.9-million grant over three years.

Rice is a staple food for 2.4 billion people. Annual rice output must increase by nearly 70% to nearly 880 million MT in 2025 to meet projected global demand.