Participatory varietal selection: an approach used for the selection of lowland NERICA varieties in Niger

Abstract

A process of diffusion of new rice varieties called participatory varietal selection (PVS) through participatory varietal testing was adopted in this study. The objective of this study was to introduce a participatory approach in using new rice varieties including NERICA to improve the productivity of rice in Niger. Six intra and inter specific varieties of rice and a local control (IR1529) were evaluated on the agronomic, socio-economic and technological traits. The tested varieties were WAS 4-B-B-9-1-4-TGR 48, NERICA-L-16, WAS 114-B-IDSA-B-WAS-1-1-TGR 144, WAS 173-B-B-13 - 7-TGR21, NERICA-L-39, NERICA-L-49. The tests were conducted on irrigated perimeters of Karma, Diambala and Sébéry during the dry and rainy seasons of 2006. The results of individual assessments highlighted two NERICA varieties: NERICA-L-49 and NERICA-L-39 and one intra-specific, WAS 4-BB-9-1-4-TGR 48. These varieties were selected for their high production potential (6 to 7 T/ha in rural areas) and quality (good taste, good ability for processing, etc.). These varieties were approved in 2007. These new varieties were registered in national catalogue of plant species and varieties in 2012. Currently these varieties are disseminated on all irrigation schemes of Niger. This new strategy of introduction and diffusion of new technologies involving all the stakeholders in the sector in the process of evaluating new technologies helped accelerating the adoption of new rice technologies in Niger.

Keywords: Rice, NERICA, yield, PVS, Niger