Boost for 10 rice types

Farmers in Svay Rieng province harvest a strain of rice that grows in 100 days as part of a programme sponsored by the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the European Union. Photo by: Khouth Sophak Chakrya

via CAAI

Monday, 27 September 2010 15:01 Chun Sophal

THE Cambodian Agriculture Research and Development Institute has announced plans to promote increased production of 10 different strains of rice, which studies indicate may boost yields by up to 59 percent.

The different varieties of rice were selected because they produce fine, long grains suitable for export, according to Institute director Uk Makara.

Chosen in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, he said yesterday the Cambodian Agriculture Research and Development Institute would advertise the strains directly to farmers.

“Paddy production will increase in the future if local farmers and the private sector grow these species,” he said.

CARDI is a semi-autonomous institute founded by the government in 1999, and aims to improve agricultural science and technology to better farmers’ livelihood and the commercial agriculture sector. Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Undersecretary of State Kit Seng said yesterday: “Our country will not be able to increase paddy production if we do not encourage farmers to switch to high-quality species.”

A survey conducted by CARDI showed farmers who used recommended seeds saw yields increase 59 percent regardless of growing methods. The survey was conducted among 8,000 families in 14 provinces.