Varieties of Drought-Tolerant Rice

Genetics

• The gene that enables rice plants to be drought-tolerant is Sub1A. The gene puts the plant in a dormant state when under stress, and then continues growing the crop when rainfall occurs. Researchers introduced the gene into hundreds of traditional rice strains to modify the plants for drought tolerance. Researchers introduced Sub1A into varieties of rice that already produce high yields, and have good resistance to disease but low tolerance for drought.

Shahabagi

• Shahabagi rice survives up to 27 days of drought, while traditional varieties die after 10 to 12 days. Farmers have grown the rice successfully in Bangladesh and India. This variety is cheaper for farmers to grow, since it does not need as much fertilizer as non-drought-resistant rice, according to the Alert Net website.

Sukha-2

• Seven villages in Nepal tested Sukha-2 in 2010. The farmers preferred this variety for several reasons. It grows in both drought and flood conditions, so farmers in upland and lowland areas benefit. Sukha-2 produces an early crop, which enables farmers to succession-plant with other crops, including mustard and vegetables, before the end of their growing season.

APO

• APO tested successfully in the Philippines, growing taller and with larger grains than other rice varieties. This variety was more resistant to pests and disease than other strains of rice planted in the same region. The Manila Bulletin website reported that one of the farmers testing APO reported a larger yield despite drought conditions.