Rice research priorities for Madagascar's Middle West.

Abstract

A goal of rice research in Madagascar is to help the country regain the rice self-sufficiency it lost in the early 1970s. A diagnostic survey was conducted in 1989 in the Middle West.one of six major rice-growing areas. Agroecosystems. farmer practices and knowledge. major problems affectiong the productivity and sustainability of farming systems. farmer problem solving behavior, and interactions among system components were examined. Three priorities were identified for research on rainfed lowland rice: improved germplasm with tolerance for excess water. control of rice hispa disease.and improved water management in the rice-growing minivaleys. Four priorities for reaearch on upland rice were identified: control of insect pests (especially Heteronychus spp.).improved soil nutrient management and soil erosion control. weed control (especially striga spp.,Rouboellia spp.). and breeding higher yielding varieties. The survey also served as a training exercise for national rice scientists.