Research and Development Programme of RRDI
Future of Rice
Since independence in 1948, the rice-growing
program in Sri Lanka was aimed at achieving self-sufficiency. After about
50 years and when Sri Lanka is almost self-sufficient in rice we now forced
to face some entirely new and different factor conditions, to which we
have to awaken ourselves without delay. There is the need for new thinking
and formulation of new strategies to meet the new challenges. Developing
right policies and effective strategies to face the emerging situation
will determine the prospects for rice growing in Sri Lanka in the coming
years. Therefore, in designing R&D program for RRDI we have taken into
consideration all conceivable issues relating to the improvement productivity,
profitability and sustainability of the rice crop in the country.
Strategies to Increase
Rice Production and Quality
In spite of having many improved rice varieties
with potential yield of over 7.5-10 t/ha, the national average yield has
been stagnated around 3.5 t/ha since 1980's. The low productivity is attributed
to many factors of socio-economic and institutional and management constraints.
Lack of quality seed paddy, depleting soil fertility, toxification of paddy
lands due to salinity, iron toxicity and acidity, scarcity of water (especially
in rain-fed and minor irrigated rice lands covering 60% of total rice lands)
and competition from weeds, pests and diseases and lack- of man power for
rice cultivation are key issues that need research attention.
The following actions have been set out to achieve the challenges in the rice sector;
Increasing cropping intensity
Increase farm productivity
Improving milling recovery
Improving quality of rice
Reducing cost of inputs
Improving marketing of paddy
Strengthening institutional capacity