-Rice Research Station working out a package to deal with problem

By Navendra Seoraj

THE Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), through the Rice Research Station, will be looking to address and counter the “massive attacks” from paddy bugs over the past few seasons.

“We have seen a massive attack and this time the attack was sustained for a long period of time,” said Chief Scientist of the Research Station, Dr. Mahendra Persaud, during his remarks at GRDB’s recent Open Day activity.

Although the paddy bug infestation has not come as a surprise over the past two seasons, it has still affected farmers in the various rice-growing regions.
“Considering the prevalence of the infestation, researchers have to fasten their seat belts,” said Dr. Persaud, adding that the station’s primary focus over the next five seasons will be on eradicating or reducing the prevalence of paddy bugs.

In the coming seasons, the station will be looking to develop a “package of practices” which will reduce the prevalence of paddy bugs to an economic and manageable level.
Dr. Persaud, who was optimistic about effectively tackling the prevalence of paddy bugs, said: “We have bits and pieces of ammunition to hit the bugs effectively.”
The bits and pieces will, however, have to be consolidated into a package that will be shared with farmers across the country.

As part of the process of creating the package, the research station will be doing a comprehensive study on paddy bugs in order to ascertain the definite species of bugs.
The station’s primary goal is to develop a package of practice and develop technologies that will be necessary for farmers to achieve their targets.
“We are looking at integrated pest management, bio-control, bio-pesticides and more,” said Dr. Persaud, adding that although they promote the use of pesticides, they have warned farmers to utilise it judiciously.

Farmers from across Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) lamented the challenges they faced because of the prevalence of paddy bugs. Although they were able to get a decent crop, some farmers said they had to put a lot of effort into keeping the bugs out.
Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder had said given the recent outcry of farmers regarding the negative effects of paddy bug infestations and in order to effectively reduce its economic impact on rice cultivation, the GRDB has placed emphasis on prioritised training in the management of paddy bugs at the farm level. “To develop new strategies to combat this pest in Guyana, the GRDB has placed emphasis on five research areas which include national monitoring, finding the multiplication and survival sites of paddy bugs, commencement of a bio-control programme, a national sensitisation on the impact and management of paddy bugs and the evaluation of insecticides and their efficacy,” said Minister Holder.

GOOD REPUTATION
According to the minister, the GRDB Rice Research Station at Burma has a good reputation when it comes to doing research and finding solutions.
In addition to the station’s work on addressing paddy bug infestations, it has been releasing high- yielding rice varieties on a regular basis.
Within the last 25 years, the Rice Research Station has produced 14 new high-yielding varieties of commercial cultivation. Some of these include: GRDB 09, GRDB 10, GRDB 11, GRDB 12, GRDB 13, GRDB 14 and GRDB 15.

“This is no accident; it is a result of massive financial investment in a well-conceived and executed programme. GRDB’s expenditure averages some G$372 million annually to execute its programme at the Rice Research Station. This represents 43 per cent of its overall expenditure. I am proud to say that our Rice Breeding Programme is among the best in the Caribbean Region,” said Minister Holder. Rice research is the avenue through which new techniques and technology are made available to the rice industry on a continuous basis. This is done to sustain the competitiveness of rice in an ever-changing physical, financial and social environment.

Holder said the research station has made notable contributions to the industry and continues to do so.

“I am advised that during 2019, over 5,000 breeding lines are being studied, with 16 of these being tested in multi-location trials to develop new varieties. Studies are being conducted on 14 aromatic breeding lines to develop another aromatic variety. One candidate variety is being considered for release and GRDB will begin testing in farm field trials in 2020,” said the minister.