IPB University Introduces New Generation of New Type Rice Varieties
Vice Rector of IPB University for Research, Innovation and Agromaritime Development, Prof Ernan Rustiadi, visited rice farmers in Warung Tiwu Village, Peuteuycondong Village, Cibeber District, Cianjur Regency, West Java Province.
On the occasion, Prof Ernan who was accompanied by Dr Ahmad Junaedi, Chairman of the IPB University Rice Research Group, together with farmers from Sri Hegarmanah Farmer Group and Cinta Tani Farmer Group Association (Gapoktan), harvested IPB 14S rice varieties. Previously, the farmers had also harvested the IPB 9G, IPB 12S, IPB 13S, and IPB 15S varieties.
“The IPB 12S, 13S, 14S, and 15S varieties are the new generation of new types of rice that have been released previously, namely the IPB 3S, IPB 4S, IPB 8G, and IPB 9G varieties. The rice produced by Prof Hajrial’s breeding has superior characteristics in terms of rice quality and morphology-physiology as an improvement from the characteristics of the previous generation,” explained Dr Junaedi.
Nana Sukatna, Chairman of Gapoktan Cinta Tani who is also the head of the Warehouse Receipt System (SRG) of Niaga Mukti Cooperative, revealed that the dominance of Ciherang, IR64, and INPARI 32 varieties, which have been relatively saturated among farmers, requires an alternative to other new superior varieties.
“Hopefully, among IPB’s new generation varieties there will be those that can develop to meet the expectations of farmers, the rice processing industry, rice consumers and other stakeholders so that they can develop among rice farmers,” he hoped.
Deni Kurnia, Chairman of Sri Hegarmanah Farmer Group, said, “The growth of IPB rice varieties in my rice fields has attracted the attention of other farmers. Many farmers ask, because the appearance of this IPB variety is different from what farmers usually plant here.
“Its resistance to blast disease and its dense panicles with large grains are also visible in the field,” said Deni, who is also a milling business owner who has been involved in rice cultivation and the rice business.
Then, he adds, “The yield is also above average here. After milling, it turns out that the quality of the rice is very good, and the taste is very fluffy. I and other farmers are interested in developing it for further cultivation,” he commented.
Prof Ernan also visited the SRG facility managed by Niaga Mukti Cooperative in Warung Kondang sub-district. According to Nana Sukatna, this SRG was among the first to be established in Indonesia and still exists today. “We can exist because we have a unique product, namely Pandan Wangi rice which has received Geographical Indication protection,” he explained.
To farmers, Prof Ernan said that IPB University is consistent in supporting farmers to produce food, especially rice. This step is none other than to meet consumer expectations in terms of quality as well as to improve the welfare of farmers by increasing productivity and efficiency of production financing.
“There are potentials and opportunities for synergy between academic/commercial business units of IPB University and farmer groups, farmer groups, and SRG management cooperatives to develop superior IPB University rice varieties,” he said.
The variety, said Prof Ernan, has received a good market and consumer response to be developed in an upstream downstream supply chain ecosystem that can provide benefits to the parties. He hopes that IPB University’s action programs to assist farmers and develop business ecosystems can continue to be consistent. (*/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)
