In Haiti, rice plays a central role in family meals, just as it does in Taiwan. With over 52,000 hectares of rice fields, Haiti requires a large amount of rice seed each year. However, many farmers reuse their harvest as seed, which over time leads to a decline in seed quality and yields.

To address this situation, the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) in Haiti has been working with local farmers to increase the quality of the seeds they use to reveal the gold standards for breeding high-quality rice seeds.

4 Golden Standards of High-Quality Rice Seeds :

Moisture Content :

Rice seeds should have a moisture content of <14%. Excess moisture accelerates seed respiration and encourages microbial growth, compromising seed storage. Conversely, overly dry seeds lose viability, reducing their lifespan.

Determination of weight :

High-quality seeds maintain consistent weight in a measured container, which has been determined through scientific testing. If the weight of one liter of seeds falls below the standard, it may indicate poor seed maturity, affecting germination and seedling growth.

Purity:

Certified seeds must be free of foreign materials or non-living impurities (e.g., stones, twigs).

Seed viability :

Seeds that cannot germinate are worthless, no matter how visually perfect they may appear.

TTM supplies 350 tons of high-quality rice seeds to Haiti each year, helping to improve rice production in the country.

Through the Rice Production Enhancement Project in South Haiti, the team has striven to increase farmers' income, and to support the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by ensuring food security, “ending hunger, and promoting sustainable agriculture. By sowing better seeds today, we create a brighter future."

See also :

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-44102-icihaiti-taiwan-field-workshop-for-better-rice-harvests.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43939-haiti-taiwan-workshop-on-the-production-of-high-quality-rice-seeds.html

HL/ HaitiLibre