Big step forward for BL9 rice

At the end of 2023, the BL9 rice variety of Ca Mau province was recognized for special circulation by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment). The Provincial Agricultural Seed Center coordinated to deploy production in many localities in the area and achieved quite high efficiency. Notably, rice from this rice variety was developed by Thanh Son Cooperative (Vinh My commune) into a 3-star OCOP product, creating a premise for expansion and further expansion in the market.

• Replicating BL9 rice variety on shrimp farming land
• Get rich from modern agriculture
• Solidarity and creativity in building sustainable agriculture

Few pests, high yield

The BL9 fragrant rice variety was researched and bred by the Provincial Agricultural Seed Center from a combination of RVT and OM4900 varieties. The growing period is 100-105 days; the plant height is about 95-105 cm; the number of solid grains per panicle is 70-90; the average yield is 5.5-7 tons/ha. This rice variety is resistant to brown planthoppers, blast, stem borers and sheath blight, and in particular, has a fairly high salt tolerance of about 4‰.

BL9 rice variety adapts well to soil in many localities in the province.

The growth characteristics of BL9 rice variety are very suitable for the province's production areas, especially the shrimp-rice area. After many trial crops, farmers have highly appreciated and are satisfied with this rice variety. Mr. Vo Duc Toan (Hong Dan commune) said: "The rice grows well, tillers strongly, has few pests and diseases, especially the rice blast disease has never appeared. The yield is quite high, my recent crops average about 800 kg/cong".

BL9 rice variety is highly appreciated when deployed in shrimp-rice production areas.

After being recognized for special circulation, the BL9 rice variety production area in the province has been expanded to hundreds of hectares. In 2024 alone, the planting area will reach more than 700 hectares. Many farmers are excited to participate and have high hopes for this rice variety. Mr. Nguyen Van Truc (Ninh Quoi commune) shared: “This variety produces delicious sticky rice with a characteristic aroma; especially the sticky aroma lasts for a long time. If it is certified and built into the province's fragrant rice brand, farmers will benefit greatly. Moreover, with a rice production area of ​​up to hundreds of thousands of hectares, the province needs to have a typical rice product to make its mark on the domestic and foreign markets.”

BL9 rice variety is highly trusted by farmers.

Currently, farmers and cooperatives producing BL9 rice have signed contracts with a number of enterprises inside and outside the province. This not only helps farmers feel secure about the output but also creates confidence for people in the rice variety that the provincial agricultural sector has successfully bred and will develop further in the future.

Building the province's fragrant rice brand

In 2024, Thanh Son Cooperative will start producing, milling and selling BL9 rice. After achieving OCOP certification, the Cooperative's BL9 rice products will have the opportunity to participate in many fairs to display and introduce OCOP products, reaching a wide range of consumers.

BL9 rice of Thanh Son Cooperative.

Mr. Tran Van Ngo, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director of Thanh Son Cooperative, said: "BL9 rice produced at the Cooperative is certified by VietGAP, ensuring safety and quality. This is the criterion that the Cooperative has been aiming for since choosing this rice variety to register for production and develop OCOP products. Currently, the Cooperative is actively promoting and expanding the consumption market to increase the value of fragrant rice grains bearing the province's brand."

Mr. Pham Van Muoi, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, emphasized: “Building a rice brand is an inevitable trend when the demand for clean and safe food is increasing. Creating products with clear origin, guaranteed quality and trusted by consumers will be a great advantage for the province. Therefore, in the 2026 plan, the province will continue to develop the BL9 rice production area among farmers, creating favorable conditions for cooperatives to participate in production and build BL9 rice products that meet safety and quality standards.”

BL9 rice of Thanh Son Cooperative participates in displaying OCOP products.

Rice is one of the essential commodities and main exports of the province. However, in recent times, the province's rice trading and export activities have mainly focused on output, without building its own brand. With the ability to adapt well to local soil, and delicious rice quality, suitable for domestic and export markets, BL9 promises to become a typical fragrant rice brand of the province.

Wish Chi

Source: https://baocamau.vn/buoc-tien-dai-cho-gao-bl9-a123611.html