March 10, Dhanusha — The National Rice Research Program in Hardinath, Dhanusha, has commenced testing various rice varieties that mature quickly and yield high production. This initiative is part of the ‘Kopia Project’ carried out in collaboration with farmers in Bateyswar, Dhanusha.
According to Dr. Pallavi Singh, a senior scientist at the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), the search and evaluation of rice varieties that mature rapidly and have higher yield potential is being pursued to address challenges brought about by climate change to farming systems. She stated, “If the trials succeed, farmers will be able to harvest their crops on time, resulting in direct benefits beyond just increased production.”
Dr. Singh noted that to integrate farmers’ experiences with scientific research, rice seedlings have been planted directly in fields at Bateyswar. Participating farmers are cultivating different rice varieties on their own land, monitoring growth, yield capacity, and disease resistance. Suitable varieties are being selected based on farmers’ experiences, needs, and priorities.
Information officer and senior technician Ravindra Prasad Sah from the research program in Hardinath conveyed that so far the main short-duration rice variety identified is ‘Hardinath-1.’ He shared that the Hardinath-1 variety matures in about 105 days. “Our goal is to identify rice varieties that mature in even shorter periods,” he added.
Various rice varieties are being tested both within the research center premises and in selected farmers’ fields. According to Officer Sah, this approach expands the limited laboratory research to the field level while incorporating farmers’ practical experiences into the research process. The trials are expected to help identify rice varieties suited to local climatic conditions that require less water and can adapt to climate change. Special emphasis is being placed on increasing production of the Chaite rice crop.
Information officer Sah expressed confidence that these efforts will strengthen year-round rice production systems, contribute to food security, and support increasing farmers’ incomes. –RASAS
