| Seeds

Hybrid rice seeds help farmers increase crop productivity

Basf's complete portfolio is an ally of rice farmers

30.09.2020 | 20:59 (UTC -3)

Vanessa Oliveira

National rice production is expected to grow 7,2% in the 2020/21 harvest, with approximately 12 million tons according to the National Supply Company (Conab). Hybrid rice seeds, launch of Basf, will contribute to increasing the productivity of rice fields.

This is the first time that the company has commercialized hybrid rice seeds to meet the needs of farmers. The new product will feature Clearfield technology, used in approximately 80% of the country's rice areas to help control weeds.

While in conventional varieties the evolution of the production ceiling usually ranges between 1% and 2% per year, the increase with hybrids can be up to 25%, compared to conventional varieties.

“With rice hybrids, Basf began to offer seeds with high productive potential and grain quality suited to market demands. This way, it is possible to better understand and meet the needs of farmers and consumers. The objective is to provide greater productivity and profitability for cultivation, contributing to the legacy of rice farming in the country", explains José Mauro Costa Rodrigues Guma, manager of Rice and Wheat Seeds at Basf.

Rice technology

Basf offers farmers solutions for all phases of farming, including seeds and crop protection.

Controlling invasive plants is one of the main challenges for rice farmers. Aura 200 herbicide is a tool for the efficient management of weeds, with an emphasis on barnyard grass and other important grasses that are difficult to control.

Basf's solutions also include the herbicide Prowl H2O, which has a water-based formulation, indicated for the control of invasive grasses and sedges in pre-emergence.

“Investment in innovations and technologies provides a legacy of productivity in the country’s rice crops. Correct weed management is one of the main requirements for a successful crop. BASF offers the complete technological package for rice cultivation, with emphasis on our herbicide portfolio”, highlights Vitor Bernardes, Rice and Wheat Marketing Manager at BASF.