Manila, The Philippines
November 9, 2007
Successful deployment of hybrid
rice in Asia requires more effective cooperation between public
research institutions and the private sector
A new international research
initiative, linking the private and public sectors for the first
time and launched on November 9 at the 2007 Asian Seed Congress,
aims to boost the research and development of hybrid rice for
the tropics.
The Hybrid Rice Research and Development Consortium (HRDC),
established by the International
Rice Research Institute (IRRI), will strengthen
public–private sector partnership in hybrid rice, a technology
that can raise the yield of rice and thus overall rice
productivity and profitability in Asia.
Hybrid rice takes advantage of the phenomenon of hybrid
vigor—known as heterosis—to achieve yields 15–20% higher than
nonhybrid (inbred) varieties. Over the past three decades, the
technology has helped China achieve food security, but has not
yet reached its potential in the tropics.
IRRI and its partners in the public and private sector have led
research on development of, and use of, hybrid rice technology
in the tropics for almost 30 years. Successful deployment of
hybrid rice in Asia, however, requires more effective
cooperation between public research institutions and the private
sector in research to overcome current constraints.
The HRDC will be hosted by IRRI and will have three major
objectives:
- Support research on
developing new hybrids with enhanced yield heterosis,
improved seed production, multiple resistances to stresses,
and grain quality.
- Support research on best
management practices for rice hybrids.
- Improve information
sharing, public awareness, and capacity building.
Public and private sector
organizations and companies with interest in hybrid rice
development are invited to become members of the HRDC. For
private-sector members, annual financial contributions under the
consortium structure will take into account the status of seed
companies at different stages of development. HRDC members will
have access to improved parents, hybrids, and breeding lines,
including seeds and associated information.
The HRDC will have a public–private sector advisory committee
and will meet annually to provide information to its members on
new plant genetic resources available or under development,
review research on hybrid rice management, discuss new research
priorities, and make decisions on other consortium activities
such as capacity building for both the public and private
sectors.
According to IRRI senior hybrid rice researcher
Fangming Xie, the HRDC will
significantly enhance the capacity for hybrid rice research and
product delivery, while providing services and support to the
private sector in its product development and delivery that will
benefit the general public.
“National agricultural research and extension systems and other
public sector organizations engaged in hybrid rice research and
development will be among the primary beneficiaries of funds
generated by the HRDC”, said Dr. Xie. “Rice farmers in Asia will
benefit from accelerated access to hybrid rice-based
technologies such as more and better hybrids, good-quality seed,
knowledge, and services provided by the private and public
sectors.”
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is the
world’s leading rice research and training center. Based in the
Philippines, with offices in 13 other countries, IRRI is an
autonomous, nonprofit institution focused on improving the
well-being of present and future generations of rice farmers and
consumers, particularly those with low incomes, while preserving
natural resources. IRRI is one of 15 centers funded through the
Consultative Group on
International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), an association
of public and private donor agencies. |
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