Green House Gases could hit
rice production
PTI reports from Lagun (Philippines) on 5th February the
following:
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) located at
Lagun is collaborating with Indian
Scientists to mitigate
the perceived problem of reduction of rice production due
to global warming. Mr. Robert Zeigler conveyed this to the
visiting Head of State from India, the President Dr. APJ
Abdul Kalam.
That the production of rice could be affected due to global
warming was based on the apprehension that flowering of
rice plants, which take place during daytime, might be
adversely affected due to higher ambient temperatures
during the day.
Another
area in which
IRRI could help
farmers was by
popularizing use of “seed drummers” that resulted in
economizing on costs on labour and reducing time by
eliminating the need of transplantation.
IRRI scientists are trying to create a gene that can
preserve the
hybrid resulting in repeated use of their own
hybrid by farmers instead of depending on companies
supplying the seed. The present F-1 variety cannot be used
again after the first use.
The Indian President while discussing with IRRI scientists
outlined three main problems that would afflict Indian
agriculture in the immediate future. Firstly - area under
cultivation would come down by about 40%, secondly -
shortage of irrigation water and thirdly - less manpower
availability. He stressed the need for going straightway
from
seed to the grain stage by ushering in a second green
revolution.
The new seeds to be developed by IRRI should also be
suitable for the deteriorated soil conditions and should
deliver the goods with less water.
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