960412

25 pc more yield

IRRI introducing

'super rice' seed

in Asian countries

MANILA: A new variety of rice seed which produces 'super rice' and yields five tons to the hectare - one ton more than normal per hectare rice yield in most Asian countries - is being introduced to rice growers by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). This rise grain produces 25 percent more than other rice grains on the some area of land.

The International Rice Research Institute has found that this variety of 'super rice' yields not only five tons per hectare but also needs less water. If this variety of 'super rice' is used by growers worldwide, the yield of rice could increase by 100 million tons and could feed a billion people annually.

According to details available, the super rice variety uses less water than the minimum 500 gallons per kilogramme of rice grown now needed. The new seed variety is resistant to pest and disease. The grain-straw ratio has also been improved as a result of experimentation and research on this variety of rice seed. The 'super rice' variety is undergoing a series of local tests, such as planting, weed control and fertiliser application to adapt it for use, in keeping with the variety of local conditions and requirements, specially in Asian countries.-UPP