This is one of 280 summaries describing key outputs from the projects run by DFID’s 10-year Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) programmes. Principally based on Projects R7122, R8071, R8099. Poor farmers in eastern India now have a wider choice of rice varieties. Where the land is not irrigated, rice is transplanted into flooded paddies in the monsoon. But plant breeders focused on rice for irrigated areas, and neglected the need for drought-tolerant strains for rain-fed areas. So farmers in these areas relied on old varieties prone to disease and drought. Farmers given improved seed to test were free to grow it as they pleased. They found that the new varieties gave better quality grain, higher yields and were more drought-tolerant. Although farmers now have a wider choice of seed, supplies are limited. Because the seed is un-released it needs to be certified to be eligible for official subsidies. So, to realise the full potential of these varieties, groups need to be helped to produce certified seed. The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Current Promotion, Impacts On Poverty, Environmental Impact. Attached PDF (17 pp.) taken from the CD.
