NERICA Rice in Central African Republic

Background

	NERICA rice
	Koma D. Ben-Bala of RINATED with another scientists in one of the field trials in Central African Republic

Cassava is the main source of food in Central African Republic and accounts for 80% of the national consumption. Its production, however, started declining in the 1990s and rice was identified as the appropriate alternative crop. The demand fro rice is being met through imports (largely from Asia) and local cultivation. In 2005, NGOs accessed information about New Rice for Africa (NERICA) from WARDA. In the same year, Research on Innovative and Appropriate Technology for Sustainable Development (RINATED) acquired ten NERICA varieties (6 upland and 4 rain-fed lowland varieties) from Benin Republic with the financial support from The Rockefeller Foundation. The seed was used to establish variety selection field trials in the country.

Project Objective

The main objective is to introduce the NERICA rice in Central Africa Republic and select high-yielding, disease-resistant and drought-tolerant varieties through field trials and on-farm demonstrations.

Materials and Methods

A total of 10 NERICA varieties were acquired from World Rice Centre (WARDA) in Benin during 2005. These varieties included 6 upland lines (NERICA-1, NERICA-2, NERICA-3, NERICA-4, NERICA-6 and NERICA-7) and 4 rain-fed lowland  varieties (WAS 161-B-9-3, WAS 191-8-3, WAS 161-IDSA-3-WSA-B-IER-2-4 and WAS122-IDSA-11-WAS-B-IER-11-19). Field trials were established using randomised blocs of four treatments planted with six NERICA varieties and one local check. Field observations were made from planting, weeding to harvesting and included grain yield, grain size and weight, maturity period, and disease incidence. 

Results and conclusions

Late establishment of field trials in August-September instead of May-June meant only upland rice was considered for this report. The dry season that began early in November affected the performance of the late crop. Based on the field observations of grain yield, size and weight; maturity period and disease incidence, three upland rice varieties: NERICA-4, NERICA-7 and NERICA-3 produced positive results. These varieties showed significant resistance to disease and tolerance to drought. Mean grain yields of 200-600 kg/ha were realized. The three varieties have been selected for introduction to farmers.

More field trials are needed in order to collect more dependable data on the performance of all the NERICA varieties. The project needs to acquire additional seed of the three selected varieties for multiplication. Further participatory selection of new varieties is needed but with greater involvement of farmers, extension agents and rural organizations. These efforts will contribute to improvement of the seed sector and food security in Central African Republic.