Ecobreves – LATIN AMERICA: Rice Revolution Calls for Improved Varieties

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MONTEVIDEO, May 19 2008 (IPS) - The use of improved rice varieties and better cultivation practices will be at the core of a technological revolution proposed by rice growers in Latin America. That is what César Martínez, leader of the rice project at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture, based in the Colombian city of Cali, told Tierramérica.

The improvements will include better-timed planting, fertilizer based on the nutritional state of the soil, more efficient irrigation and control of weeds, and the use of seeds of varietal purity, which he says will improve yields and help cut prices.

The rice revolution is part of the proposals for confronting the current shortage of this staple food crop, recommended by the 23rd meeting of the administrative committee of the Latin American Rice Fund, held May 5-7 in Ecuador.