DESPITE the fact that the two new improved varieties of rice plants, GRDB 14 and Maria’s Delight Aromatic, have only been recently released, several rice farmers have already staked their bets on them, cultivating a total of 3,500 acres countrywide for this spring crop.Dr Mahendra Persaud, Chief Scientist at the Burma Rice Research Centre(BRRC) of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB)said that currently some 500 acres of the aromatic rice and 3,000 acres of GRDB 14 are under cultivation.

He observed that sowing for the current crop is already complete but the BRRC will have adequate quantities of high quality seed for both varieties fully available to any interested farmer in time for the second crop, usually referred to as the autumn crop.
He said: “There will be no criteria for the sale of these seeds other than the genuine interest of the farmer in utilising them to get greater yields and value for his investment,” he said.
He said too that the fact that 3,500 acres of the varieties are already under cultivation will also guarantee availability of seeds generally since some of these farmers will no doubt retain quantities for future crops.
The varieties were recently released and formally launched on Wednesday last as part of an ongoing programme of rice development by the BRRC.
Dr. Persaud said that GRDB 14 and the Maria’s Delight Aromatic had been field tested by farmers during the course of development and both had received favourable comments.
EXCELLENT GROWER
They found that the GRDB 14 was an excellent grower in terms of germination and establishment in the field; it was a very good emerger from standing in water as much as six inches deep; it tillered very quickly covering the field and thereby killing weeds; had over two hundred grains per panicle making it very high yielding and most importantly was both blast and lodging resistant.
Additionally, the milling recovery and cooking qualities are excellent.
The Maria’s Delight Aromatic Rice Plant, he said, was also high yielding, giving up to 45 bags per acre; the plant type was robust and resistant to lodging; it had excellent milling and cooking qualities and there was uniform expression of the aroma.
Most importantly aromatic rice is a highly valued item on the international market where demand for it is unlimited.
During the launch of the two varieties at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, Wednesday last, President Donald Ramotar hailed the role that science and technology has played in the growth and development of Guyana’s rice industry.

(By Clifford Stanley)