Government has been diligently employing various technologies in an effort to reduce the impact of severe weather on farmers and has planned to introduce a flood-resistant strain of rice.
Chief Scientist and Plant Breeder at the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Dr Mahendra Persaud, said the board is testing a flood-resilient variety with a gene that deactivates growth during flooded conditions.
Dr Persaud was speaking to farmers at the technology highlights forum organised by the GRDB at the Rice Research and Extension Centre Burma, Mahaicony.
He disclosed that there are several varieties already being utilized, including those that are resistant to blast, can withstand delayed harvesting, and those with excellent milling and cooking qualities.
Dr Persaud revealed that GRDB has already released 10 blast-resistant varieties and is also focused on developing varieties that are aromatic, tolerant to salt and disease resilient.
He noted that Guyana can achieve 8.5 tonnes per hectare with varieties of various grain types like the extra-long grain that once specifically targeted the European market.
Dr Persaud stated that GRDB has developed 5,000 breeding lines over the past three years and is tasked with maintaining the genetic quality of every variety.
The board is also hoping to decentralise seed production so that farmers will be able to produce high quality seeds in their own field, thus reducing their dependence on GRDB.
Dr Persaud said GRDB is currently screening germ-plasm from overseas and will later apply its germ-resistant trait to local varieties.
It is also engaged in wheat management, and herbicide evaluation, and is testing the effectiveness of inorganic fertilisers.
CAPTION: Chief Scientist and Plant Breeder Dr Mahendra Persaud speaking to farmers at the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) technology highlights forum at Burma Mahaicony. March 17, 2010. (Oliver John Photo)
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CAPTION:  Farmers at the technology highlights forum organised by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) Burma, Mahaicony. March 17, 2010.
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