Reverse Linkage

47 DEVELOPMENT THROUGH SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION the sharing of intellectual property rights of Malaysian rice varieties with the Anne van Dijk Rijst Onderzoekscentrum Nickerie (ADRON), a research centre under the purview of LVV tasked to carry out R&D in rice and to provide farmers with the latest technologies and knowledge. Eight varieties of rice produced by MARDI, six high-yielding and two aromatic varieties, will be introduced in Suriname to add value to the existing rice catalogue. These varieties, which will be integrated into the local Surinamese varieties, also contain genes resistant to rice blast (a type of fungus) and brown plant hopper (a type of insect), both significant prob- lems for rice farmers. The programme will investigate using ADRON in an insti- tutional capacity for certified seed production methodology and protocol as well as setting up a certified seed production facility for the research centre. In the soil component of the programme, a soil fertility map will be generated for the entire 60,000 hectares of rice production area in Suriname so that good fertiliser practices and management systems can then be developed. Another of MARDI’s technologies, biofertiliser, will also be tested to see if it can positively help Suriname’s rice production performance. On-farm water management has always been a crucial factor in rice production, and so this RL project will also look into reviewing Suriname’s hydrology structure and propose the establishment of an integrated water manage- ment system for the rice producing regions. There will also be a pilot programme in land-levelling on a 500 hectare area to improve water coverage in rice fields. All of these activities will be supported by a specialised train- ing series for LVVandADRONofficers, and various other local stakeholders including farmers. By the end of the project, a rice policy framework using a value-chain approach and based on findings obtained from the various activities will be presented to the Suriname Government for its consideration. Ultimately, the Suriname–Malaysia RL project will result in a win-win situation for all parties involved. For Suriname, it will bring about necessary improvements of varieties, infra- structure and human resource development to achieve and maintain Suriname’s long-term self-sufficiency in rice produc- tion, with an expected increase in per capita rice consumption. The project will help LVVmaintain a sustainable and competi- tive industry, directly benefiting at least 1,500 farmers and indirectly benefiting 5,000 people.The government ofMalaysia benefits by showcasing its country’s technologies and expertise. In addition, participation in the project enables Malaysia to share its knowledge and expertise with other IsDB coun- tries – a key part of its Member Country Partnership Strategy. MARDI Corporation will be able to adapt and deploy its technologies overseas under diverse conditions and increased dialogue with various experts will bring new perspectives and ideas. From IsDB’s perspective, the project is an efficient and effective way of improving SSC among member countries, helping to realise its vision and 10-Year Strategic Framework. MARDI Director General, Datuk Dr. Sharif Haron (centre) and Group CEO, MARDI Corporation, Anas Ahmad Nasarudin (second from left) with the Head of ADRON, Nareen Gajadin (second from right) and LVV Coordinator of Western Region, Guido van der Kooye (right) Image: MCSB