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Technology package COLD TOLERANT RICE VARIETIES
Summary NARI has released two high yielding cold tolerant rice varieties suitable for the Highlands environment. They are NR 2 and NR3. Under the IRRI numbering, they are IRGC 77426 and IRGC 77427 respectively.
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Cold tolerant rice IRRI rice lines have been conducted at HRC- Aiyura during 2006-10. Thirty nine introduced high yielding varieties were evaluated at Aiyura for three years/seasons under NARI sponsored project as on-station trials and two years/seasons of on-farm participatory farmer research. These lines were tested against three local check varieties. This was necessary because the earlier released four NARI Rice Varieties are suitable for lowland conditions. Also, rice varieties currently grown in the highlands are not giving good yields (only 2 tonnes/ha). The Japonica type varieties were more adaptable than the Indica type varieties, presently grown. The varieties were identified through trials on station in Aiyura and tested in on-farm participatory trials across the EHP at four different altitudes (1300 – 1800 masl) and rainfall regimes. Thirty nine Japonica varieties bred for Highland conditions were brought in from IRRI Philippines for evaluation. This research and development work was done by NARI with collaborative farmers. The research activity involved selecting and promoting varieties from initial to advanced trials. NR2 and NR3 were found to be consistent in terms of their high yield performances and had no incidence of major pests and diseases. Advantages The varieties NR2 and NR3 have three advantages over local varieties (Golden Mountain or Thai Big). 1. Yield 5-9 t/ha, which is 2-3 times greater than the local varieties. 2. No major Pests and Diseases problems 3. Both varieties have exhibited taste similar to Trukai Rice (high acceptance by consumers) Information on this technology as well as seeds of these rice varieties can be obtained from the Highlands Regional Centre, Aiyura.