Researchers In Chiang Rai Developing 3 Metre Rice Strain to Resist Flooding

Newly found rice strain which grew more than three meters tall

 

CHIANG RAI – A specialized research study is planned to develop a newly found rice strain which grew more than three meters tall, to weather floods in low-lying areas in the central region which are repeatedly hit by flood.

Worayan Boonnaraj, Chiang Rai’s Mae Fah Luang district chief, led agricultural experts to inspect a giant rice plant variety found on the property of Kingthong Ngarnpairotesakul in Mae Salong Nai subdistrict.

One rice tiller from one seed was comprised of 81 rice stems 310 centimetres tall.

The stem, leaves, and ears of grain were complete and appeared healthy.

Mr Worayan said he would coordinate with the Department of Agriculture to take the seed grains from the unusual rice tiller for further research.

If the tests result in a good tasting quality of rice, it should be produced to distribute to farmers in the central region to grow as the 3 metre high stem could hold its head up, so to speak, above the flood.

An agricultural expert said the rice tiller grew from only one grain but the stems and the earsits ear of grains were healthy. It was believed that it was the mixed strains of rice which has made the stem reach 3 metre high while normal rice would be 250 centimetres tall.

Its height is outstanding, making it seem that it could answer the needs of rice farmers for a rice variety that could resist flooding.