BL9 - a rice variety from the rice-shrimp farming region.

CA MAU - The BL9 rice variety, the result of research by the Ca Mau Agricultural Seed Center, has affirmed the self-sufficiency in seed production, opening up a sustainable development direction for the shrimp-rice farming region.

Responding to the trend of green production and reducing emissions.

Driven by the aspiration to be self-sufficient in high-quality seed sources, Ca Mau's agricultural sector has successfully researched and developed the BL9 rice variety – the first scientific achievement bearing the "Ca Mau brand," opening a sustainable development path for the shrimp-rice farming region in the southernmost part of the country.

The BL9 rice variety adapts effectively to the rice-shrimp farming area in Ca Mau . Photo: Trong Linh.

Given the unique characteristics of the area, with its alternating saline and acidic soils and the distinctive shrimp-rice farming model, finding a rice variety that adapts well to local ecological conditions, yields high productivity, and has significant commercial value has been the aspiration of many generations of farmers in Ca Mau.

After years of research, testing, and selection, the Ca Mau Agricultural Seed Center has launched the BL9 rice variety - the first rice variety researched and developed locally, and officially recognized for circulation by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development under Decision No. 298/QD-TT-VPPN dated August 21, 2023.

"This is an important milestone affirming Ca Mau's research capacity and proactive approach in the field of breeding, instead of relying on seed sources from other institutes and universities," emphasized Ms. Nguyen Thi Kieu Khuyen, Deputy Director of the Ca Mau Agricultural Seed Center.

Ms. Khuyen stated that the BL9 rice variety was developed over many generations with the goal of creating a fragrant, high-yielding rice variety that is highly resistant to harsh coastal conditions. BL9 is a "pure Ca Mau" rice variety, which is durable, beautiful, and delicious, meeting the trend of green production, reducing emissions, and adapting to climate change.

The agricultural sector in Ca Mau has demonstrated its ability to produce high-quality rice varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases and adaptable to local ecological conditions. Photo: Trong Linh.

Rice varieties of the shrimp-rice region

According to the Ca Mau Agricultural Seed Center, the BL9 rice variety has a growth period of 100-105 days, a plant height of 95-105cm, strong tillering, and smooth, pliable straw. The variety has relatively good salt tolerance, good resistance to blast, brown planthopper, and bacterial blight, and only mildly susceptibility to leaf spot. The rice grains are slender, long, translucent, and mildly fragrant; the cooked rice is sticky, sweet, and remains fluffy and soft even when cooled. In practical production, BL9 yields 6.5-7.5 tons/ha and adapts well to shrimp-rice farming areas.

Mr. Dang Van Dau, a farmer from An Khoa hamlet, Vinh My B commune, Ca Mau province, shared: “I have planted the BL9 variety for two consecutive seasons and have seen clear results. The variety is easy to grow, resistant to pests and diseases, has stable yields, and the rice is fragrant and delicious. Especially during the recent shrimp-rice crop, despite the prolonged saltwater intrusion, BL9 still thrived, with long panicles and firm grains. We farmers are very happy that Ca Mau now has its own rice variety, suitable for the local natural conditions.”

Having been involved in rice farming for over 20 years, Mr. Tran Van Hong from Ninh Thanh Loi commune, Ca Mau province, observes that the BL9 rice variety is easy to cultivate and less susceptible to pests and diseases compared to some other rice varieties.

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The rice leaves are thick and upright - an advantage that helps the plant grow naturally strong.In the Mekong Delta, thick, stiff, and upright rice leaves not only help the plant photosynthesize efficiently and increase its resistance to diseases, but also limit pest damage, creating a foundation for stable yields.

"Having directly produced BL9 rice seeds for several seasons, I've found that this variety is very resistant to pests and diseases, so less pesticide spraying is needed during cultivation, reducing investment costs and contributing to environmental protection. The important issue now is organizing product distribution for farmers participating in production," Mr. Hong shared.

BL9 rice is highly rated by consumers. Photo: Trong Linh.

Positive feedback from farmers in practice has confirmed the potential for widespread adoption of the BL9 rice variety in key areas, especially in shrimp-rice conversion zones that are being encouraged for sustainable development.

To achieve today's success, the staff of the Ca Mau Agricultural Seed Center have gone through a long and dedicated journey: from breeding in greenhouses, selecting each rice line, testing yield and quality, evaluating resistance to pests and diseases, and salt tolerance... to completing the application for variety recognition.

"Despite the many difficulties in terms of infrastructure and human resources, we have always been determined to master seed selection techniques, not afraid to experiment, making mistakes and trying again, just to find the best rice seeds for the southernmost region," Ms. Kieu Khuyen shared.

Therefore, the BL9 variety is not only the result of scientific research but also the achievement of the intelligence, perseverance, belief, and dedication of the local team of scientists.

A stepping stone to developing the "Ca Mau Specialty Rice" brand.

Currently, BL9 is being widely cultivated in many key areas such as Hong Dan, Ninh Hoa, Phuoc Long, Ninh Thanh Loi, U Minh, Thoi Binh, Hoa Binh… The yield and efficiency of BL9 are recorded to be 20-30% higher than previously popular varieties.

Beyond its economic value, BL9 is also an important stepping stone in the strategy of developing the "Ca Mau Specialty Rice" brand, linked to a green production model, reducing emissions and adapting to climate change.

Besides BL9, the Ca Mau Agricultural Seed Center is also researching and testing the BL10 rice variety. BL10 rice is highly regarded by experts for its quality. Photo: Trong Linh.

According to Ms. Kieu Khuyen, the Ca Mau Agricultural Seed Center is continuing to improve the breeding process, build certified seed production areas, and link with businesses in processing and consuming BL9 rice, forming a sustainable value chain for the "Ca Mau Rice" product.

The introduction of the BL9 rice variety marks a milestone in the maturity of Ca Mau's agricultural sector over its 80 years of formation and development, from a region facing numerous difficulties to mastering technology and moving towards a modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly agricultural system.

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Ms. Nguyen Kim Thuy, Deputy Head of the Agricultural Technology Application Seed Farm (Ca Mau Agricultural Seed Center), shared: “BL9 is a rice variety from Ca Mau, researched and developed by people from Ca Mau. This success will further motivate us to continue developing many suitable crop varieties, contributing to increasing income and stabilizing the lives of farmers in the southernmost region of the country.”

Besides BL9, the Ca Mau Agricultural Seed Center is also researching and testing new rice varieties such as BL10 and Camau3, which are highly regarded by experts for their yield and rice quality.

Every year, the Center continues to breed and select new rice varieties, aiming to diversify the rice variety structure, adapt to climate change, replace degraded varieties, and contribute to the sustainable development of the province's agriculture.

According to Master's degree holder Nguyen Kim Thuy, the unit is currently selecting F7 generations of the Ba Bong Man/BL9 combination, F6 of Jasmine85/BLR214, F6 of Jasmine85/BLR105, and F5 of TBR39/BL10. Each combination aims to produce short-day rice varieties with high yields, fragrant rice, meeting export standards, resistant to pests and diseases, and adaptable to shrimp-rice farming areas.

"In addition, the unit continues to research new hybrid combinations to meet production needs in different ecological regions and suit consumer tastes both domestically and internationally," Ms. Thuy said.

From laboratory ideas to golden fields, BL9 is not only a scientific achievement but also a symbol of the faith, intelligence, and will of Ca Mau farmers on their journey towards self-reliant, modern, and sustainable agriculture in the southernmost part of the country.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/bl9--giong-lua-cua-vung-lua--tom-d783377.html