BL9 - rice variety of rice - shrimp region

CA MAU BL9 rice variety - research results of Ca Mau Agricultural Seed Center have affirmed the capacity for self-sufficiency in seeds, opening up a sustainable development direction for the shrimp - rice region.

Responding to the trend of green production and emission reduction

From the aspiration to be self-sufficient in high-quality seed sources, the agricultural sector of Ca Mau has researched and successfully created the BL9 rice variety - the first scientific mark bearing the "Ca Mau brand", opening a direction for sustainable development for the southernmost shrimp-rice region of the country.

BL9 rice variety is effectively adapted to rice-shrimp farming areas in Ca Mau . Photo: Trong Linh.

With the characteristics of alternating saline and alum soil and the typical shrimp-rice production model, finding a rice variety that adapts well to local ecological conditions, has high productivity and great commercial value, is the aspiration of many generations of farmers in Ca Mau.

After many years of research, testing and selection, Ca Mau Agricultural Seed Center has launched BL9 rice variety - the first rice variety researched and developed locally, 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 initiative in the field of breeding instead of depending on seed sources from other institutes and schools,” emphasized Ms. Nguyen Thi Kieu Khuyen, Deputy Director of Ca Mau Agricultural Seed Center.

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

Ca Mau's agricultural sector has affirmed 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 shrimp-rice region

According to the Ca Mau Agricultural Seed Center, BL9 rice variety has a growing period of 100-105 days, plant height of 95-105cm, strong tillering, smooth and flexible stubble. The variety is relatively salt tolerant, resistant to blast, brown planthopper, brown spot and only slightly affected by leaf blight. The rice quality is slender, long, clear, slightly fragrant; sticky rice, sweet taste, still spongy and soft when cooled. Through actual production, BL9 yields 6.5-7.5 tons/ha, well adapted to shrimp-rice land.

Mr. Dang Van Dau, a farmer in An Khoa hamlet, Vinh My B commune, Ca Mau province, shared: “I have grown BL9 variety for two consecutive seasons and have seen clear results. The variety is easy to grow, has few pests and diseases, has stable yield, and the rice is delicious. In particular, in the recent shrimp-rice crop, despite prolonged salinity, BL9 still stood firm, with long panicles and firm grains. We farmers are very happy that Ca Mau has its own rice variety, suitable for the local natural conditions."

With more than 20 years of experience in rice cultivation, Mr. Tran Van Hong in Ninh Thanh Loi commune, Ca Mau province commented that BL9 rice variety is easy to cultivate and less susceptible to pests and diseases compared to some other rice varieties.

"Having directly produced BL9 rice for several crops, I have found that this rice variety is rarely affected by pests and diseases, so during the cultivation process, there is less need for spraying pesticides, reducing investment costs and contributing to environmental protection. The important issue now is the issue of organizing product consumption for farmers when participating in production," Mr. Hong shared.

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

Positive feedback from farmers from production practices has confirmed the potential for replication of BL9 rice variety in key areas, especially the shrimp-rice conversion area that is being encouraged for sustainable development.

To achieve today's results, the staff of Ca Mau Agricultural Seed Center have gone through a long and dedicated journey: From crossbreeding in greenhouses, selecting each rice line, testing yield, quality, evaluating the ability to resist pests and diseases, the ability to withstand salinity... to completing the application for variety recognition.

“In the face of many difficulties in terms of facilities and human resources, we always determine to master the technique of selecting varieties, not afraid to experiment, make mistakes and try again, just to find the best rice grains for the southernmost land,” Ms. Kieu Khuyen shared.

The BL9 variety is therefore not only the result of scientific research but also the achievement of the intelligence, determination, belief and enthusiasm of a team of local scientists.

Stepping stone to develop the brand "Ca Mau specialty rice"

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

Not only stopping at economic value, BL9 is also an important stepping stone in the strategy of developing the brand "Ca Mau Specialty Rice" associated with a green production model, reducing emissions and adapting to climate change.

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

According to Ms. Kieu Khuyen, Ca Mau Agricultural Seed Center is continuing to perfect 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 product "Ca Mau Rice".

The birth of BL9 rice variety marks the maturity of Ca Mau's agricultural sector in 80 years of formation and development, from a land of many difficulties to mastering technology, towards modern, efficient and environmentally friendly agriculture.

Master Nguyen Kim Thuy, Deputy Head of the Agricultural Technology Application Seed Farm (Ca Mau Agricultural Seed Center) shared: “BL9 is a rice variety of Ca Mau people, researched and selected by Ca Mau people. This success will motivate us to continue selecting and creating more suitable crop varieties, contributing to increasing income and stabilizing the lives of farmers in the southernmost land of the Fatherland.”

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

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

Master Nguyen Kim Thuy said that the unit is currently selecting generations F7 of the combination Ba Bong Man/BL9, F6 of Jasmine85/BLR214, F6 of Jasmine85/BLR105 and F5 of TBR39/BL10, each combination aims for a short-term rice variety, with good yield, fragrant rice, meeting export standards, resistant to pests and diseases and adaptable to shrimp-rice production areas.

“Along with that, the unit continues to research new hybrid combinations to meet production needs in different ecological zones, suitable for domestic and foreign consumer tastes,” said Ms. Thuy.

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

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