Many new rice varieties
To support research and development of rice varieties and to facilitate farmers' access to information, the Mekong Delta Rice Institute regularly conducts demonstrations of rice varieties. Simultaneously, it organizes field conferences and workshops to create opportunities for stakeholders to meet, exchange information, and allow farmers to visit demonstration fields where rice varieties are being grown.
During the 2025-2026 winter-spring crop season, the Mekong Delta Rice Research Institute will organize production demonstrations of 22 rice varieties in the Institute's fields. The rice varieties demonstrated include those already published for circulation and those still undergoing testing. Specifically, 11 out of 22 demonstrated rice varieties have been approved for circulation by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MARD), including OM 19, OM 29, OM 3, OM 74, OM 8, OM 18, OM 468, OM 5451, OM 429, OM 344, and glutinous rice OM 406. Six rice varieties have undergone large-scale and small-scale trials and are in the process of completing their dossiers for approval: OM 6, OM 17, OM 66, OM 15, OM 12, and OM 52. Five rice varieties are currently undergoing large-scale and small-scale trials: OM 36, OM 82, OM 68, OM 54, and OM 45. These rice varieties are classified into five groups based on rice quality. Specifically, this includes high-quality fragrant rice varieties such as OM 19, OM 8, OM 66, and OM 68. Of these, OM 19 and OM 68 have been approved for circulation since January 2026, noted for their characteristics of white, translucent rice, strong aroma, and potential yield of 6-8 tons/ha. The group of high-quality rice varieties, including OM 3, OM 74, OM 18, OM 15, OM 54, OM 12, OM 468, OM 5451, OM 429, OM 344, and OM 45, focuses on soft, sticky rice and a high percentage of whole grains. Notably, the OM 3 variety also has a salinity tolerance of 4-5‰, making it suitable for coastal ecological zones. There are also high-yielding rice varieties such as OM 29, OM 6, OM 36, and OM 17, which can produce very high yields, up to 9 tons/ha. In addition, there are glutinous and Japonica rice varieties including OM 406 and OM 82. OM 52 belongs to the group of nutrient-rich rice varieties.
Through on-site visits to demonstration rice fields and production experiences, the OM 19 rice variety is expected to contribute to improving production efficiency, increasing farmers' income, and enhancing the rice value chain in the future. Mr. Nguyen Cao Khai, Director of Tien Thuan Cooperative in Thanh Quoi commune, Can Tho city, said: “For the 2025-2026 winter-spring crop, farmers at the cooperative received support from the Mekong Delta Rice Institute and the Can Tho City Department of Agriculture in providing rice seeds and technical guidance to cultivate OM 19 rice variety on an area of 80 hectares, with 22 households participating according to the High-Quality and Low-Emission Rice Project process. To date, the rice has entered the heading and ripening stage. Practical production shows that this rice variety is low-cost due to its resistance to pests and diseases, promising high economic efficiency. OM 19 has excellent tillering, tillering, and flowering capabilities, superior to many other rice varieties with a growth period of less than 100 days.” According to Mr. Khai, OM 19 rice produces fragrant and delicious rice, so some companies have committed to buying the product at a price equivalent to ST 25 fragrant rice. With a total rice cultivation area of over 510 hectares at the cooperative, the cooperative is ready to expand the cultivation area of OM 19 if there is a good market for the product and if companies and businesses actively promote the purchase of the product.
Prospects for developing high-value rice products.
The OM 19 and OM 3 varieties are the result of the project "Selection of high-quality fragrant rice varieties under the Can Tho Rice brand," managed by the Can Tho City Department of Science and Technology in cooperation with the Mekong Delta Rice Research Institute, aiming to build the "Can Tho Rice" brand. In particular, the OM 19 rice variety, with its many outstanding characteristics in terms of yield and product quality, promises to create high-value rice products.
Demonstration of OM 3 rice production at the Mekong Delta Rice Research Institute.
According to Mr. Ngo Anh Tin, Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Can Tho City, the Department has advised the city's authorities to register the "Can Tho Rice" brand. Simultaneously, it has registered intellectual property rights for this brand and handed it over to the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Can Tho City for management. The "Can Tho Rice" brand is used universally and free of charge for delicious fragrant rice varieties in the city. Among them, OM 19 and OM 3 are delicious rice varieties that the Department, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Can Tho City, the Mekong Delta Rice Research Institute, and other relevant parties, has supported farmers in expanding their production areas. In addition to OM 19 and OM 3, other delicious fragrant rice varieties produced by organizations and individuals in Can Tho also use the "Can Tho Rice" brand. If organizations and individuals have a need, the Department of Science and Technology of Can Tho City will connect and brand the products for shared and free use, aiming to improve product quality and value while promoting sustainable raw material development.
According to Dr. Mai Nguyet Lan, Deputy Head of the Agronomy Department, Mekong Delta Rice Research Institute, the OM 19 rice variety has long panicles, a growth period of 95-100 days, is suitable for cultivation throughout the year, and adapts to many ecological zones in the Mekong Delta, yielding 6-8 tons/ha. Regarding rice quality, OM 19 has a grain length of 7.88-7.94mm, low amylose content of about 16.7-17%, beautiful, white, translucent grains, and a long, slender shape; the cooked rice is white, fragrant, and flavorful. OM 3, on the other hand, has a growth period of 98-102 days, with grains 6.8-6.9mm long, amylose content of 16.3-17.1%, beautiful rice, soft, sticky, delicious, and with a mild aroma.
Text and photos: KHANH TRUNG
Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/nhieu-trien-vong-tu-giong-lua-moi-a200364.html
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