DP Singh

A Report on Monitoring of Field Trials of Autumn

Rice Crop, 2015

Rice Research Station, GRDB, Burma

What farmers say? (Information based on survey conducted in 5 region during Dec 2015)

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Radio TV

Newsp

aper

Web

site

Extn. O

fficers

Rice m

ills

Other

sou..

.0

102030405060708090

100 Region 2Region 3Region 4Region 5Region 6Average

Major Source of information on new rice production technologies

Region 2 Region 3 Region 4 Region 5 Region 6 Average 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70 0 up to 5 >5

Visits to RRS Burma by farmers

GRDB 10

GRDB 14

GRDB 12

G98-2

2-4

G 98-1

96

G 98-1

35

G 98-3

0-3

Aromat

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Brazil

ian

Rustic

Unknow

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GRDB 110

102030405060708090

100 Region 2 Region 3Region 4 Region 5Region 6 Average

Percentage of farmers and varieties being grown

80 lb/ac

90 100 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 150 155 160 1700

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80Region 2Region 3Region 4Region 5

Seed rate (lb/acre) used by farmers (%)

Breeding for higher grain yield, better elasticity to climate

High quality suiting for local and international consumers.

Special rice varieties for minimizing the deficiencies of Zinc and Iron, protein and low glycemic index for diabetic population.

Major Researchable IssuesPlant Breeding

Fair degree of host resistance to biotic stresses to minimize use of chemicals and their residues, keeping in view of export of paddy and rice and meeting phytosanitory standards

‘Participatory’ approach in plant breeding and varietal selection, release and de notification of old varieties

Maintenance breeding

Pre breeding for creation of more genetic diversity

Rice gene bank

RECOMMENDATIONS

Better display boards in trials

The trial may be kept bit drier to facilitate visit on key events

Introduce ‘Farmers’ Participatory Varietal Selection’

PVT may be planted at one more location in replicated design

Work to improve quality of rice (Fine, Scented with better nutritive value)

Seed Production

Improved seed security -Timely availability-Affordable cost-At proper place-Right variety- Proper quality

RECOMMENDATIONS

Strengthening of rice seed team, laboratory (Seed technologist supported by farm manager, seed plant engineer and seed marketing staff)

A revolving fund of $ 10-20 millions to seed programme

Improved seed production technology to increase seed multiplication ratio and quality

Seed testing and certification may be initiated without further delay

Regular training of seed growers in quality seed production in collaboration with Extension and Research programmes

Enhanced seed replacement rate (25-30%) for 10-15% jump in rice production

Digital photos proofs of seed plots at different stages

Seed Certification by a team

Seed labeling

The seed storage may be improved

Integrated weed management with special reference to ‘red rice’ and it immediate application in seed plots

Integrated nutrient management, testing and suggesting improvement in ‘6P’ practice being promoted by Extension programme

Agronomy of newly released rice varieties

Agronomy

‘Conservation agriculture’ for cleaner environment, improving soil health and reducing cost of rice production

Narrowing yield gaps between farmers’ fields and potent yield of varieties

Adjustment of sowing dates in seed plots for proper quality

Growing rice during off season under irrigated conditions for seed production

Use statistical design in field trials

Initiate trials on integrated red rice management, conservation agriculture, diversification of cropping system, green manuring, yield maximization, agronomy of new varieties, growing rice during off season.

Associate with seed team for management and elimination of red rice in plots.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Conclude trials on use of cow dung/FYM,dates of sowing experiments for commercial crop, fertilizers (Foliar) trials

Suggest internal quarantine measures restricting red rice in non infested regions

The consultancy projects (private companies etc) need to be given second priority and may be in contract research project mode

Plant Pathology

Proper evaluation of status of host resistance under artificially created disease epiphytotics

Identification and sharing of confirmed sources of resistance

Pathogenic diversity of major rice pathogens

Maintenance and use of pathogenic variability, mass multiplication and use of inocula

Disease survey and surveillance, issue of e newsletter

‘Pest Risk Analysis’ and ‘field certification’ in association with National Plant Protection Organization

Integrated disease management technology in seed and commercial crop

Create disease epiphytotics at hot spots

Identify and share the confirmed sources of disease resistance to rice breeders and put these in gene bank

Disease survey and surveillance. Detection, maintenance and use of pathogenic variability for evaluation of host resistance

Collaborative research on ‘Pest Risk Analysis’ and ‘field certification’. Seed Certification.

Integrated disease management technology and use validation at farmers’ fields

RECOMMENDATIONS

Integrated insect pests management with special reference to paddy bug

Proper evaluation of host resistance and identification of good sources of insect pests resistance

Strategic deployment of varieties in problematic areas of insect pests attack

Entomology

Safer and acceptable technology for effective pest management in paddy and rice meant for export

Research on ‘Pest risk analysis’ in collaboration with NPPO

Generation of basic information on major insect pests

Evaluation of host resistance under controlled facilities (net house conditions)  Develop module for ‘integrated pest management’ to minimize cost and doses of chemicals, residue in grains and protection off environment.  Import of paddy bug resistant genotypes of rice , test these and share these with rice breeder

Issue of e newsletter on crop health

Collaboration on PRA and Field Certification

RECOMMENDATIONS

Overall recommendations for Rice Research Station, Burma

1. Have strong wings of research, extension and seeds headed by experienced and qualified scientists

2. Hand over the conduct of field days, seed days, exhibitions, museum, media management and briefing etc. to Extension Programme

3. Hand over seed production (except basic seed and maintenance breeding) to Seed Programme

4. The Seed Technology lab may be established . Add seed label on seed bag

5. Plan trials in consultation with statistician for use of statistical design

6. Create facilities for conduct of trials at multilocations for wider adaptability

7. Conduct regular workshops to discuss last crop experiments and data as well as to finalize technical plans

8. Release technical report of rice before beginning of new crop season regularly

9. Identify new technologies regularly besides new varieties

10. Have regular monitoring of field trials at RRS Burma and out locations by a team consisting of at least one external member

11. Use participatory approach in plant breeding and seed production (farmers, pvt. sector, rice mills)

12. Initiate contract research projects and revolving fund schemes. More autonomy to researchers in these projects

13. Look for externally funded projects

14. Conduct regular crop health survey and surveillance using network of extension, trap nursery, sample collection and visits. Use IT tools. Issue e Newsletter on fortnightly basis and send it to different agencies and GRDB web page.

15. Create digital photo lab, collect all photos at one place

16. Create technical cell for making record of all data collected and copies of reports, project files and replies given to questions on crop technology.

17. Conduct brain storming sessions and review of work done in Guyana and abroad on specific issues

18. Strong coordination with R-E-S and external agencies dealing with rice

THANKS

DiscussionProblem of internet at station: It was stressed by Chief Scientist, Administrator and HODs that fast internet is must to keep their knowledge updated and timely communication. Most of the journals are available as e journals. GM may kindly set time limit for it and may hire competent agency to finish the job.

Implementation of seed system and defining the role of RRS Burma: At present the entire responsibility of seed (Basic, C1 & C2) lies with RRS Burma. It is diluting the efforts of Plant breeder to do his job. Second tier of rice seed producers (Pvt/ NGO) is needed to multiply C1 to C2 seed as well as marketing of it.

Rice Crop Health e Newsletter: It was proposed to publish rice health e newsletter from RRS Burma and GM may facilitate it and allow to be on GRDB web page and distribution to key stakeholders.

Contact Research Projects/ Externally Funded Projects: It was felt by the group of RES Burma Scientists that GRDB may give more autonomy to use the funds by Project Investigators for the purposes outlined in project and these may not be used for some other purpose.

Revolving fund: A one time grant of 30 million $ may be given to seed programme as revolving fund for seed production, testing, certification and processing at RRS Burma. The amount may be multiplied and 10% of profit generated may be shared by team members of seed programme

Revamping of laboratory facilities: The station laboratories and rice quality testing facilities may be upgraded to facilitate research on quality rice (fine and long grain, aroma, toxic metal and chemical residue free rice).