RICE
What role PARC is playing for rice productivity enhancement in Pakistan?
Ans.
PARC performs multifarious functions for enhancing rice productivity in the
country. Important functions include
acquisition and distribution of exotic rice germplasm; organize National
Uniform Yield Trials, annual research planning meetings and traveling seminars;
strengthen research capabilities of provincial research institutes by providing
funds, trainings and research staff. PARC conducts research on those aspects,
which are not being undertaken by other cooperating units. From the exotic
material through selection more than 10 rice varieties have been approved for
general cultivation. Through NUYT about
two dozen rice varieties have been commercialized. PARC scientists have
developed a number of resource conservation technologies such as pesticides
saving and environment friendly rice IPM, cost-effective method of zinc
application and need-based use of nitrogen fertilizer through LCC.
How to increase Basmati rice yield without sacrificing quality?
Ans. Basmati rice yield can be increased substantially
through a comprehensive approach comprising development of high yielding,
better quality, resistant to insect pests/diseases and tolerant to abiotic
stresses rice varieties; use of pure, high quality and healthy seed, timely
sowing, optimum plant population, balanced use of fertilizers, proper water
management, timely control of insect pests, diseases and weeds through
integrated approach, mechanized harvest and post-harvest operations. Public – private partnership can ply an
important role to increase Basmati yield in Pakistan.
How can we meet national paddy seed requirements?
Ans. Viable public-private partnership is required to meet
national paddy seed demand. Such
partnership is more urgently needed in case of hybrid rice. Public sector research institutes/
programmes are needed to be strengthened by providing more core budget to
enhance research and development capacity activities.
What are
the sources of seed availability?
Ans.
Rice Research Institute, Kala Shah Kaku, Lahore and Dokri; Seed Corporation;
Private seed companies and farmer to farmer exchange.
Which
are the major rice varieties recommended for cultivation in Pakistan?
Ans.
Variety
|
Area |
|
· Basmati
385, Super Basmati, Basmati 2000, Shaheen Basmati, Kernal |
Punjab |
|
·
IR
6, Khushboo 95, DR82, DR 83, DR 92, Shua 92, Sarshar and Shahkar. |
Sindh and
Balochistan |
|
· JP-5,
Swat-I, Swat-II and Fakhr-e-Malakand. |
Mountainous
areas of NWFP. |
What
are the major diseases of rice and what measures are taken to control them?
Ans.
Bakanae/foot rot, bacterial leaf blight, paddy blast, brown leaf spot and stem
rot are major diseases of rice in Pakistan. These diseases can be controlled
through integrated weeds management (IWM) approaches–use of healthy seed, seed
treatment, proper water management, clean cultivation, cultivation of resistant
varieties etc.
What
are the major insect pests of rice and how these can be controlled?
Ans. Rice crop in Pakistan is attacked by more than seventy species of insect pests. Most important insect pests are stem borers, white-backed plant-hopper and leaffolder. These pests can be managed through integrated approach including sowing insect resistant rice varieties, sowing rice crop at recommended time, proper water management, balanced use of fertilizers, conservation and augmentation of bio-control agents and judicious and need –based use of insecticides.
Which are the recommended fertilizers and their dose per acre?
Ans. Fertilizers: Urea, DAP, SSP,MOP/SOP
|
Doses
per acre |
Nitrogen (Kg/ha) |
Phosphorous (Kg/ha) |
Potash (Kg/ha) |
|
Basmati
type |
55 |
30 |
25 |
|
IRRI Type |
70 |
40 |
25 |
What are the recommendations for farmers to improve rice production/productivity?
Ans.
· Use pure and healthy seed
· In time planting
· Appropriate plant population (80,000-100,000 per acre)
· Proper fertilizer application (as mentioned above)
·
Proper crop protection measures (IPM- timely sowing,
resistant varieties, water management, balanced fertilizer
use, need based use of pesticides, conservation of natural enemies,
removal of stubbles and infested plants etc)
· Timely harvesting
Resource Person
|
Dr. M. Salim (National Coordinator) |
|
| Dr. Abdul Rehman (SSO) | abdul258@yahoo.com |
[Last updated: October 12, 2006]
