Participatory Rice Varietal Selection in Nan, Thailand
Year: 1998
|
The Participatory Rice Varietal Selection (PVS) activity under the
South East Asia Community Biodiversity Development and Conservation
Program in Nan province, Upper Northern Thailand aimed to learn and
conduct farmer-participatory rice varietal selection and distribution.
Based on the diversity of rice varieties currently used in the three
agroecosystems, i.e. lowland, upland and highland areas in three
villages: Huay Li, Thai Ngam and Dong Phapoon were selected as the
representative sites. The collaborating farmers (4-5 farmers per
village) were selected according to the results from the Plant Genetic
Resource Diversity (PGR) survey, agro-ecosystems characterization and
PVS trials in 1997. Some of the criteria in choosing farmer partners
were willingness to participate and should be active farmers.
The diversity of the farmers’ criteria, their willingness to
maintain the diversity of local rice varieties and test new varieties,
the ability to learn the outstanding characteristics of certain
varieties and the success of one farmer in Participatory Plant
Breeding (PPB) that is linked to the PVS indicate the potential of
farmers in selecting and breeding of new varieties themselves. Hence,
it is suggested that a policy recognizing the active role of farmers
as breeders is needed.
|
Background and Rationale
Rice is a very important food for people in Southeast Asia and other parts
of this world, but the importance of farmers who produce rice and develop
rice varieties are not recognized. Twenty years ago, high yielding rice
varieties were introduced to farmers all over Thailand. Many farmers
accepted the new varieties and abandoned local varieties. However, some
farmers, especially in Nan still conserve their traditional glutinous
rice. These varieties are generally low yielders but dependable. Hence,
until today, a great number of traditional varieties is being grown by Nan
farmers. This contributes in the conservation not only of the varieties
but indigenous knowledge as well.
Farmers play a key role in preventing plant genetic erosion. The best way
to conserve and develop food crop diversity for the food security of the
community and the world is to enjoin farmers’ participation in these
activities as much as possible. It is important for government officials
and research and development institutes to learn to work together with
farmers. The interaction with farmers and other sectors is equally
necessary. Participatory Rice Varietal Selection (PVS) is a way to meet
this goal.
Objectives:
- To determine the performance of introduced rice varieties in each of
the three ecosystems.
- To describe and document farmers’ criteria in rice varietal
selection in three ecosystems.
Site Description
Overview of Nan province
Nan is a border province located in the east of the Upper Northern region
of Thailand, covering about 11,472 square kilometers (local measurement is
7,170,045 rai), with diverse land forms. About 86% of the province is
mountainous. The rest (14%) consists of small delta plain and lowlands
scattered among mountains. Nan is located in a watershed with small flat
land areas and different agroecosystems (Nan Provincial Agriculture
Office, 1997).
There are three seasons in Nan: summer, rainy season and winter. It is
very warm (30.3oC) and dry in summer (March-April). Rainy
season starts from May to September. The maximum rainfall is in August -
about 331.9 mm. The annual total rainfall is approximately 1,279.6 mm. It
is a bit cool in winter (November-February) with a temperature of about
23.8oC in December (Meteorological station, 1998).
Generally, Nan farmers plant rice crop for home consumption and earn cash
from the surplus. They prefer to consume glutinous rice than non-glutinous
rice. There are three types of rice cultivation: major rice or rainfed
lowland rice (July-November), irrigated paddy rice (February-June) and
upland rice (May-November). Rice is widespread in four important areas:
Muang ,Tha Wangpha, Pou and Wieng Sa districts. Different varieties of
rice are grown in these areas.
Project sites
The project sites in 1998 were located in three villages: Huay Li, Thai
Ngam, and Dong Pha Poon, representing the different agroecosystems :
lowland, upland and highland (Fig.1)
Lowland Site, Huay Li Village
Huay Li village, located in Muang district is inhabited by indigenous
communities from the Thai Lue and Mien ethnic groups, made up of 108
households. The area is hilly with small flat lands with medium elevation.
The village is along the Sanian River Valley. There are different
landscapes and varieties of plants here. Majority of the fields are
planted to various kinds of crops. There are both paddy and upland rice. 5
years ago there have been an attempt by the government to introduce high
yielding varieties (HYVs) to farmers. Many farmers abandoned a lot of
local rice varieties but some farmers still maintain their local
varieties.
Upland Site, Thai Ngam Village
Thai Ngam village, included 22 households, is in Na Noi District,
populated by indigenous communities from Thai Lue. This community is a
traditional agricultural community, growing upland rice on hilly fields
for home consumption. Most of them could cultivate rice only once a year.
They rely very much on the annual rain and natural resources. There are
more than ten varieties of rice in this community. Local vegetables
planted are diverse. Informal exchange of planting materials is commonly
practiced among neighbors and friends to enhance their crop selection.
Moreover, they have searched for varieties which are suitable for their
particular agro-ecosystems. Use of tractor for harrowing is quite popular
here.
Highland Site, Dong Phapoon village
Dong Phapoon Village, Bou Kleu district, lies on the northeast of Nan,
attached to Lao PDR, is one of the poorest villages in Nan. Indigenous
communities from the Htin ethnic group mainly populate this marginal area.
There are 70 households. Most of them are typical traditional farmers.
Mountains surround this village and most of the land is also hilly.
Shortage of land for highland rice cultivation has forced them to do
agriculture on hilly areas far away from home. They do not use any
machinery in their farms. Labor exchange in rice fields and transportation
is very common. The farmers of Dong Phapoon have little chance to access
new technology, due to the different area conditions. Diversity of
indigenous rice and vegetables are maintained for their own subsistence.
Seven rice varieties are planted here.
Approach and activities
The varietal improvement and genetic resource conservation of rice has
been conducted through Participatory Varietal Selection (PVS). PVS aims to
allow farmers to select own variety from farmers within and among villages
and other institution. Two yield trials were conducted, one was managed by
the project staff and the other by the farmers. In the project-managed
trials, the staff selected the varieties and designed the experimental
layout. On the other hand, the farmer-managed field trials were planted
with varieties selected by farmers from those given by the staff. Field
layout was done by some of the farmers while the staff assisted the
remaining farmers. The yield evaluation and comparison were mainly done by
farmers and project staff.
Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) was used during the evaluation in
order to get comprehensive information. Farmers’ preference or
evaluation of the tested varieties and their selection criteria in each
ecosystem were documented.
Site and farmer selections
The project sites were selected according to the classification of the
three main different agroecosystems: lowland (< 5%e / < 350 m above
sea level), upland (5-15% slope / 350-700 m above sea level), and highland
(>15 % slope / > 700 m above sea level).
Some sites were in marginal areas and farmers maintain many local PGR. In
some areas, farmers were able to exchange seeds with Laos farmers along
the border. Some sites were easily accessible to the staff for project’s
activities evaluation with farmers.
The farmers were selected on the basis of the following criteria: 1) have
farms and 2) interested in varietal trials. Four to five farmers from each
village were selected.
After PGR diversity survey, the project could make decision to do PVS from
these reasons: diversity of topography, farming systems, PGR potential,
and socio-economic conditions.
One active and interested farmer from each ecosystem was asked to join in
the intensive experiments called Researcher-Managed Varietal Trials
superimposed with Participatory Plant Breeding (PPB).
Varietal trial designs and procedures
This varietal trials were conducted into two parts : 1) researcher-managed
varietal trial and 2) on-farm observation varietal trial by farmers.
Researcher-managed varietal trial
The experiments were conducted in the three sites in a Randomized Complete
Block Design (RCBD) with three replications per site. This aimed to
statistically compare the rice varieties’ performance to help farmers
compare rice yields and other varietal characteristics during the period
of crop growth and development while CBDC staff provided some technical
assistance.
Nine to ten rice varieties were distributed to each farmer per site. Each
farmer also included at least one of his currently used varieties to serve
as ‘check variety’. The plot sizes were 3 m x 5 m with hill spacing of
0.25 m. Conventional cultural management practices were done but farmers
were asked to apply uniform practices for every variety.
On-farm observation varietal trial
Five rice varieties from the set which were used in the researcher-managed
trial were selected and planted by the 4-5 collaborating farmers in each
agroecosystem on one strip of plot or only one replication per farm. The
farmers’ evaluation on these varieties were conducted without yield
analysis
For these two trials, seeds of the selected rice varieties were
distributed to the collaborating farmers before planting in April to June,
1998. Before distribution, the rice seeds were cleaned and only the field
seeds weighing 100g were chosen. These were then labeled and packed in a
plastic bag. Four farmers received four varieties each and one farmer
received nine varieties.
Data collection and analysis
The data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Yield and yield
components from the researcher-managed trial were analyzed using the
statistical packages, SAS and IRRISTAT. The farmers’ evaluations were
subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis. Farmer groups were
included in the validation process.
During the experiment, the CBDC staff participated in the farmers’
activities: sowing, planting and harvesting. The staff together with
farmers, recorded the results of the experiment in the important stages of
farming operations (i.e. sowing, transplanting (in lowland),
fertilization, weeding, harvesting and seed processing) and for the growth
and development stages of rice (i.e, germination, tillering, flowering and
maturity).
This also allowed an opportunity for the project staff to complete the
characterizations of rice varieties for the Nan Rice Catalog. Notebooks
with guidelines on how to take records were distributed to each farmer.
Additional information was collected through field surveys, interviewing,
observations, focus group discussions (with the key informants) and other
PRA techniques. Many training and workshop sessions were conducted to
enhance farmers’ knowledge and skills in plant selection, breeding
technique, seed processing as well as seed storage.
Farmer cross-visits within Nan province was conducted to help farmers to
evaluate and record the characteristics of different varieties. The CBDC
staff collected and recorded samples/seeds for distribution and pertinent
information on the varieties. They also monitored the flow of material
(seeds).
Results of varietal trials - Agronomic results and farmers’
evaluation
Lowland
Statistically significant differences among varieties were found by
researchers in plant height, number of tillers, number of spikelets per
panicle, weight of 1,000 grain and grain yield. Mean grain yield was 3.4
t/ha. Two varieties, Dor Pulee and Dor Boonma outyielded the check, Phrae
1 by 18% and 7.3% , respectively. Dor Pulee had the longest panicle (24
cm) while Dor Boonma had the highest number of tillers (19). Moreover,
these two varieties are most preferred by farmers. These varieties are
early maturing (110 days) and resistant to field pests and diseases. The
rest of the varieties were less preferred by farmers due to their late
maturity and susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Agronomic characteristics, grain yield and yield
components of 10 rice varieties used in researcher-managed trial, lowland site : Huay Li
Village, Muang District, Nan, 1998.
|
Variety |
Maturity (days) |
Plant Height (cm) |
Tiller(no/hill) |
10-Panicle weight (g) |
1000 grain weight (g) |
Grain yield (t/ha) |
|
Horm Toong |
130 |
159.3 |
11 |
33 |
35 |
2.69 |
|
Dor Phrao |
110 |
141.6 |
12 |
50 |
36 |
3.66 |
|
Bang Kerd |
130 |
167.3 |
8 |
40 |
36 |
3.43 |
|
Horm Phama |
130 |
141.6 |
12 |
43 |
30 |
3.44 |
|
RD 12 |
110 |
99.0 |
12 |
33 |
35 |
1.22 |
|
Hmoey Nong |
120 |
160.0 |
9 |
40 |
42 |
2.85 |
|
Kaew Tontam |
130 |
46.6 |
9 |
40 |
47 |
2.60 |
|
Dor Boonma |
100 |
119.0 |
19 |
32 |
30 |
4.66 |
|
Dor Pulee |
100 |
148.0 |
17 |
49 |
40 |
5.14 |
|
Phrae 1 |
100 |
109.6 |
16 |
33 |
35 |
4.34 |
|
Mean |
|
129.2 |
12.5 |
39.3 |
36.6 |
3.40 |
|
F.test |
|
* |
* |
ns |
* |
* |
Note * = significant difference at 5% level Ns = non-significantly
different
Upland
For the upland site, significant differences among varieties were found in
plant height, number of spikelets per panicle, 1000 grain weight and grain
yield. The Peak variety gave no yield due to its high susceptibility to
drought. Four varieties had better yield than both local checks; Kwai Hai
and Tam na. Peak Daeng had the highest yield (6.10 t/ha).
Agronomic characteristics, grain yield and yield components of
10 rice varieties used in researcher – managed trial ,upland
site: Thai Ngam village , Na Noi district, Nan , 1998
Variety
|
Maturity (days) |
Plant Height (cm) |
Tiller (no/hill) |
10-Panicle weight (g) |
1000 grain weight(g) |
Grain yield (ton/ha) |
|
Tuay |
123 |
129.3 |
12 |
50 |
30 |
6.00 |
|
Dam Khao |
134 |
101.3 |
15 |
25 |
30 |
2.25 |
|
Phar Lor |
134 |
80.0 |
11 |
25 |
30 |
1.65 |
|
Dor Kaset |
123 |
79.0 |
12 |
20 |
45 |
1.75 |
|
Peak |
134 |
83.3 |
10 |
- |
- |
0 |
|
Karb Sang |
123 |
118.3 |
11 |
40 |
45 |
5.45 |
|
Peak Daeng |
123 |
105.0 |
14 |
35 |
45 |
6.10 |
|
Phrae |
123 |
112.6 |
18 |
35 |
31 |
3.85 |
|
Kun |
134 |
130.6 |
14 |
45 |
40 |
5.00 |
|
Kwai Hai (CKV) |
123 |
170.6 |
13 |
50 |
50 |
4.46 |
|
Tam Na(CKV) |
123 |
133.6 |
12 |
25 |
35 |
3.55 |
|
Mean |
|
113.1 |
13 |
35.0 |
38.1 |
5.68 |
|
F test |
|
* |
ns |
ns |
* |
* |
Between the local checks, Kwai Hai had higher yield and was preferred by
farmers compared to Tam Na. Peak Daeng and Kun were the most preferred
varieties by farmers. Their yield were comparable to Kwai Hai, one of the
local checks. Tuay was the second highest yielder and was preferred by
some farmers but most farmers still preferred Kwai Hai.
Preference ranking given to Tuay was similar to the other check variety,
Tam Na. Farmers will grow Tuay next cropping for further evaluation
especially on its grain quality. Varieties preferred by farmers are those
with big grain, long panicle, strong and tall culm and drought tolerant.
Undesirable characters noted by farmers were late maturity, few spikelets
per panicle and low yield.
Highland
The replicated trial of the highland site was conducted in Dong Phapoon
village. There were 10 varieties included in the trial. Lower yields and
shorter plant height were noted in the highland as compared to the lowland
and upland ecosystems. No harvest was obtained from two varieties namely,
Kam UR Nan 28 and Siu Maechang due to drought. Khao was most preferred by
farmers because of its long panicle (27.7 cm), strong culm and high yield
- 7.9% greater than the check, Tuay. Daeng Medyai though had higher yield
than Khao was the second most preferred variety. It had a yield advantage
of 28.2% over the check, Tuay.
Agronomic characteristics, grain yield and yield
components of 10 rice varieties used in Researcher-managed trial, highland site: Dong Phapoon
village, Bou Kleu district, Nan, 1998
Variety
|
Maturity (days) |
Plant Height (cm) |
Tiller (no/hill) |
10-Panicle weight (g) |
1000 grain weight(g) |
Grain yield (ton/ha) |
|
Phrae Lao |
133 |
90 |
15 |
22.5 |
40 |
1.50 |
|
Kam UR Nan28 |
133 |
104 |
11 |
- |
- |
- |
|
Doug Khun |
145 |
82 |
11 |
30 |
35 |
2.65 |
|
Kun |
134 |
89 |
12 |
30 |
35 |
2.10 |
|
Khao |
134 |
114 |
8 |
62 |
40 |
3.41 |
|
Siu Maechang |
134 |
57 |
13 |
- |
- |
- |
|
Kam UR Nan40 |
134 |
96 |
11 |
43 |
32 |
2.80 |
|
Khun |
144 |
78 |
10 |
30 |
20 |
2.55 |
|
Daeng Medyai |
134 |
100 |
10 |
60 |
45 |
4.04 |
|
CKV.Tuay |
126 |
101 |
10 |
35 |
35 |
3..16 |
|
Mean |
|
81.5 |
11.1 |
39.1 |
35.3 |
2.78 |
|
F test |
|
* |
ns |
ns |
* |
* |
The summary of farmers’ criteria and evaluation of rice varieties in
three agroecosystems are shown in the table below.
Summary of farmers’ evaluation of rice varieties in the three
ecosystems, Nan province 1998
Ecosystem
|
Number of varieties distributed |
Number selected |
Farmers, criteria of selection |
|
Highland |
9 |
6 |
Glutinous rice, high yield, large panicle, bold
grain, strong culm and intermediate height. |
|
Upland |
9 |
8 |
Glutinous rice, large panicle, bold grain,
resistant to drought and diseases, strong and tall culm, high number
of tillers, aroma and good eating-quality |
|
Lowland |
9 |
7 |
Glutinous rice, high yield, large panicle, not
sussceptible to pests and diseases, high number of tillers, strong
culm, early or medium maturity (100-120 days) and good
eating-quality |
Part icipatory Plant Breeding (PPB)
Varietal trials enabled the farmers to have better information and be
familiar with the different characteristics of the rice varieties. Through
the exposure visits to the Philippines where they learned breeding they
become interested in improving and developing rice varieties to suit their
needs. They had selected parent materials for crossing. For example,
lowland farmers selected Kaew Tontam for crossing with Phare 1 and
selected RD10 and Dor Phrao for crossing with Phare 1, RD10 and RD12. They
observed that some late-maturing varieties were strong and high yielding.
Some early-maturing varieties, however were susceptible to diseases.
One farmer successfully crossed rice varieties. The others were not
because of the unavailability of desired breeding materials. The one who
was successful had selected parental materials and set his objectives as
follows: 1) good eating quality, 2) strong culm, 3) high yield, and 4)
intermediate plant height. He crossed RD 6 (male) with Horm Toong (female)
and RD 8 (male) with Horm Toong (female). Based on farmers’ evaluation,
the desirable characteristics of RD 6 are good eating quality and high
tillering while its undesirable characters are weak culm and too short
stem. Horm Toong, on the other hand, is of good eating quality, with
strong culm and high yield but with poor tillering capacity. RD8 had good
eating quality and high tillering but is late maturing. The farmer was
able to produce sufficient amounts of F1 seeds which he will grow for the
next cropping to produce his F2 populations, where he will start doing
selections.
In the case of seed distribution and supply during the PGR survey it was
found that farmers obtained seeds from their own farms or from friends,
neighbors, and relatives more than from the formal systems (government
agencies). In addition, the informal was more effective and easier to
access for the farmers than the formal seed supply system.
In Thai Ngam and in Dong Phapoon villages, there were various kinds of
local rice varieties in both paddy and upland rice, whereas in Huay Li,
only few kind of local varieties were maintained because they were
replaced by high yielding varieties (RD varieties). Each farmer in Thai
Ngam and Dong Phapoon grows 3-5 varieties in their fields but one farmer
in Huay Li planted 1-2 varieties. However, the farmers in CBDC Project
planted 5-12 varieties in their fields.
The trial in Huay Li revealed that the indigenous variety (Dor Pulee)
produced the highest yield (5.14 t/ha). The HYV RD 12 produced low yield
(1.22t/ha) because it was not strong and susceptible to pests/diseases and
rats due to its shortness and weak culm. For the agronomic characteristics
of indigenous rice, Dor Phrao variety performs very well but its late
maturity make it less preferred by farmers.
The outstanding indigenous rice variety in Thai Ngam was Peak Daeng which
produced 6.10 t/ha. Farmers in this area used to plant it more than 15
years ago, so they were very enthusiastic to include this variety in these
experiments.
The study in Dong Phapoon showed that the Daeng Medyai could produce the
highest yield (4.04 t/ha). Although the highland ecosystem gives the
lowest yield when compared with other ecosystems, all indigenous varieties
were resistant to drought, resistant to pests and diseases. Farmers
observed that that although Khao variety did not produce high yield but it
showed such desirable characteristics that farmers prefer to plant it in
addition to the check variety Tuay. Actually, Khao had disappeared from
this village for 10 years. This indicates that the amount of yield per
unit area is not the most important consideration for farmers. They are
also now concerned about biodiversity and environment conservation and
development.
Farmers in all project areas had different criteria in selecting a
particular variety compared to the criteria set by government agencies
(Tables 2,4, and 6). For the 1998 planting season, the criteria were
glutinous, good eating-quality, strong culm, early maturity, high panicle
density, high weight of 1,000 grains, high number of spikelets per
panicle, plant height and high tillering ability.
Impacts of farmer’s field trials in the community were both positive and
negative. Farmers in highland and upland sites had more choices in
selecting rice varieties for their farms. They could select suitable
varieties adapted to their environmental conditions. Exchange or access
could be extended to other communities in the same districts. They were
very happy to get the varieties, which they used to plant more than 10
years ago. Furthermore, farmers have been mobilized through learning
processes. They learned more about their agroecosystems, farm patterns,
farm management, plant genetic resources conservation, techniques in plant
breeding and problem analysis. They could also share ideas and experiences
with other people in other sectors.
The negative issues that discouraged some farmers at the beginning were
manifested when the the farmers wondered at what CBDC staff wanted to do.
However, after building a closer relationship, they understood the aims of
the project. Moreover, the project had limited seeds, so many farmers
missed the chance of growing such seeds.
- Farmers are willing to maintain diversity of indigenous rice varieties
and add new varieties. They obtained diversity of seeds varieties from
informal systems.
- The three areas represented different agroecosystems have plant
genetic resources diversity and each rice variety shows different
agronomic characteristics in these ecosystems.
- During the on-farm trials, experiments farmers learned about the
outstanding characteristics of each variety so the parent materials were
made available for them.
- Farmers’ criteria in selecting rice varieties are: good eating
quality, strong culm, early maturity and glutinous. The staff tested the
significance of variability of data and results showed that there is
statistical difference in panicle density, weight of 1,000 grain, number
of spikelets per panicle, plant height, tillering and grain yield. The
variables that showed no significant difference were weight of panicles
and panicle length.
- Farmers selected seven varieties in the lowland, eight varieties in
the upland and six varieties in the highland.
- Farmers actively participated in the experiments and evaluation. Their
selection criteria is influenced by how particular variety performs and
its ability to meet their socio-economic and cultural needs.
- Increase diversity in farmers’ field through access by farmers to
PGR should be strengthened.
- Farmers’ reasons of selecting varieties are really important because
these have been proven to fit their needs and environments. Therefore,
some form of policy should be made clear in order for farmers to do rice
varietal improvement. New high yielding varieties should be added to the
biodiversity instead of replacing the indigenous varieties which have
adapted well in farmers’ particular environments.
- Farmers are the best people in maintaining and increasing plant
genetic resources diversity since they themselves select their planting
materials of both new and indigenous varieties annually. Their selection
is based on their needs, farm practices and their agroecosystems. Hence,
rice farmers should be given more support by government institutes for
the varietal improvement activity.
Pra Sopon Thammawatee. Work plan of Pra Thammatut for a specific activity
in Nan province of the year 1995-1996
Nan Meteorological Station. 1998. Annual Rainfall Report
Nan Provincial Agriculture Office. 1997 Department of Agricultural
Extension, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Annual Report 1997
Nan Provincial Statistic Office. 1998. Document on Administrative
Boundary. Nan province, Thailand_LEN 30 22.700 1.5570 1.58350 7.0 0.5242
0.4521
|
|
|
| |
|