Udayana University's Faculty of Agriculture Harvests Local Rice Seeds

• Posted by: Admin
• Minggu, 21 Desember 2025
• Has been read 2 time(s)

Tabanan - The Balinese Local Rice Research Team from the Faculty of Agriculture of Udayana University conducted a joint harvest of "Balinese Local Rice Seeds" at the Wangaya Betan Subak, Mengesta Village, Penebel District, Tabanan Regency, Bali, on Sunday (December 21, 2025). The event was attended by the Rector of Udayana University and Vice Rector III, the Secretary of the Udayana University Senate, the Head of the Research Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, the Head of the Somya Pertiwi Organic Rice Group, the Subak Head, the Village Head, the Mengesta Village Traditional Head, the Penebel District BPP and PPL, the Balinese Local Rice Research Team, and other farmer members.

The head of the research team, Dr. Ir. I Gede Wijana, M.S., reported that local Balinese rice has distinctive qualities, including a soft, soft taste and a unique aroma, which are an important part of Balinese culinary and agricultural culture. However, this local variety still faces various challenges, such as a long harvest period, relatively low productivity, and unsecured genetic purity, which limit its optimal development. Yet, this local variety holds important germplasm value for both national and regional breeding programs.

Wijana hopes that in the future, superior local Balinese rice varieties with an early maturity, high productivity, and a consistently soft taste and a distinctive aroma can be developed, thereby meeting the need for increased yields without compromising local wisdom. As an initial step in the research program for developing local Balinese rice, parent stock collection and purification are being conducted as a basis for germplasm preservation. This activity aims to obtain authentic or truly pure seeds through a purification process. By planting the purified seeds, it is hoped that the sustainability of local Balinese rice will be maintained.

This activity is a collaboration between Udayana University, through the Bali Local Rice Development Research Team of the Faculty of Agriculture, and the Somya Pertiwi Organic Rice Farmers Group in Mengesta Village, Penebel District, Tabanan. The harvest of local Balinese rice seeds for seed purification was carried out on the fields of assisted farmers, aiming to provide an understanding and firsthand examples of basic seed purification techniques. Several criteria were considered, including healthy land conditions, appropriate harvesting age (?85% yellowing grains per panicle), healthy and full rice clumps and grains, long panicles, and ensuring varietal accuracy. After the grain was harvested and dried, quality testing, such as the float test using a salt solution, was conducted. Priority was given to selected panicles from the mother plant and its offspring, rather than from advanced offspring (grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc.).

Meanwhile, Unud Rector, Prof. Ir. I Ketut Sudarsana, S.T., Ph.D., in his remarks, stated that local Balinese rice is a valuable germplasm heritage, not only for Bali but also for national agricultural development. The advantages of local Balinese rice, such as its soft taste and distinctive aroma, constitute a cultural and culinary identity that we should all preserve. However, we also recognize that local rice faces challenges, including relatively low productivity, a long harvest period, and the lack of guaranteed seed purity. Therefore, the activity we are carrying out today has strategic significance. Purifying local Balinese rice seeds is a crucial first step in maintaining genetic purity, improving seed quality, and laying the foundation for developing superior varieties based on local wisdom. This effort aligns with Udayana University's role as a university committed to the development of science, the preservation of local genetic resources, and community service.

Sudarsana expressed his deepest appreciation for the collaboration between the Balinese Local Rice Development Research Team, Faculty of Agriculture, Udayana University, and the Somya Pertiwi Organic Rice Farmers Group. This collaboration reflects a true synergy between academics and farmers, where science is not confined to the laboratory but is applied directly in the field to provide tangible benefits to the community. Sudarsana also hopes that farmers will gain understanding and skills regarding conventional seed purification techniques, while for researchers, this activity will provide a valuable source of data and field experience for further research. This way, the sustainability of local Balinese rice can be maintained, while also supporting food security and sustainable agriculture. In closing, Sudarsana stated that Udayana University remains committed to supporting research and community service activities based on local potential, oriented toward sustainability, and involving all stakeholders. He hopes this activity can become a collaborative model that can be developed in other areas of Bali.