Inadequacies in rice variety management

(Baonghean) - Recently, many farmers in the province have complained about the quality of rice varieties. That is, farmers do not know which rice varieties are standard, which are not, what the standard level is, varieties that are good in terms of yield but not in terms of pest and disease resistance, varieties that are good in terms of rice quality but have problems with long-term yield... Besides, the testing situation everywhere makes it difficult for farmers to know good rice varieties. The 2016 spring crop is coming, businesses are offering many types of rice varieties, so which one should we choose?

Testing new rice varieties in Nghia Dan. Photo by Van Truong

It is known that Nghe An is currently producing hundreds of rice varieties, from diverse hybrid rice varieties such as Nhi Uu 838, BT E1, Syn6, Nghi Huong 2308... to high-quality rice varieties such as Huong Thom No. 1, AC5, Bac Thom No. 7, DT52, Nep 97, Nep 87, LH12, Vat Tu NA2... According to agricultural experts, the new varieties introduced for cultivation in our province cannot meet all the requirements in terms of yield, quality, growth time, and resistance to pests and diseases. For example: AC5 variety has good quality but is infected with blast, BC15 variety has poor cold resistance at flowering time,... On the other hand, purebred rice varieties often quickly degenerate like Khang Dan 18, AC5....

In the context of stable production of varieties that have revealed the above shortcomings, many places continue to organize testing of new varieties and after testing, information is given about quality, delicious rice, healthy plants, resistance to pests and diseases, short growth time... Very few varieties tested that the parties conclude are not qualified. If qualified, they must be put into use, not only that, it is also related to the achievements, to the disbursement of projects... of certain organizations and units.

According to regulations, tested new varieties must meet the requirements of: Stability, uniformity, distinctiveness, and a minimum yield of 10% higher; Significantly better nutritional, sensory, export, and processing quality; Higher economic efficiency; Better agronomic characteristics (suitable growth period, resistance to pests and diseases, or resistance to adverse external conditions),... to be recognized as new varieties.

There is a saying “don’t sell rice seeds to eat” to talk about the importance of seeds in current production. The annual spring crop is the main crop and the opportunity to create large yields due to many favorable factors. Scientists and management agencies need to continue to conduct new research on standard rice varieties that are suitable for the province’s soil and at the same time have high economic value, good disease resistance, and limit the use of chemicals on rice to ensure human health. Because currently, pesticides and plant protection drugs are used too much on rice and other crops.

Pearl