A new University of Toronto study has identified “superstar” varieties of rice that can reduce fertilizer loss and cut down on environmental pollution in the process.
The training was initiated by Africa Rice.
The project’s goal is to increase the availability of appropriate and affordable technologies to sustainably improve the competitiveness of maize, rice, and soybean value chains in Northern Ghana.
Developing a new rice variety that is high-yielding, disease resistant and has excellent milling quality takes patience and perseverance.
The program also encourages other practices throughout the year, such as building nesting islands for birds in the middle of rice fields.
There are many modern varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases such as PSB Rc10 (for rice blast), Rc242 (for BLB), and Rc 216 (for green leafhopper).
Rice production in India is about 105 million tonnes annually. India accounts for over a fourth of global rice production.
Long-grain rice harvested acreage has increased over the previous five years
Under the new technology, farmers can skip seven to eight (ploughing and planking) processes.
The field day drew more than 500 farmers and industry members to the station.
