Reverse Linkage

51 DEVELOPMENT THROUGH SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION rice varieties with disease- and pest-resistant characteristics, the strengthening of soil fertility, and the development of an integrated water management system. The project officially commenced in October 2016 with MARDI Corporation as the provider of expertise and know-how in the field of rice production, ADRON as the main recipient, and IsDB as the connector and facilitator to ensure smooth cooperation between Suriname and Malaysia. An important aspect of this RL project is the sharing with ADRON of intellectual property rights to Malaysian rice varieties. Eight novel varieties produced by MARDI – six high-yielding and two aromatic –are currently being intro- duced in Suriname to add value to its existing rice library. Other than providing readily available alternatives, there is the opportunity for them to become the bases from which ADRON can develop new and better rice cultivars. These MARDI rice varieties also contain genes resistant to certain fungi and pests that pose major problems for rice farmers. The genes will be integrated with local Surinamese varieties so that they too will be resistant to these attacks. One of the key limitations for farmers in Suriname is access to certified seed. So, the programme will be looking to develop an insti- tutional capacity for ADRON in certified seed production methodology and protocol as well as setting up a certified seed production facility for the research centre. With this facility, Suriname farmers can be assured of access to high quality, uniform and standard rice seeds based on their respected varieties. Critical knowledge transfer in the areas of certified seed production and breeding will also be provided. Soil fertility is an important aspect in the increasing of rice production in Suriname. Many areas are currently facing soil fertility degradation due to continuous use of inorganic ferti- liser. The strengthening of soil fertility component of this RL project will ensure that soil sampling and fertility mapping of the existing rice production areas are carried out. The map will enable a soil fertility management system to be devel- oped for effective and economical fertiliser usage based on an area’s soil type and soil fertility status. The introduction of suitable biofertilisers to increase rice yield while maintaining soil fertility will also be organized. Currently, Suriname does not have the required experts to manage the monitoring of soil fertility, so this component will additionally look into providing the relevant knowledge and expertise to create the necessary pool of talent in this field. An integrated water management system with good delivery is valuable in making sure that a rice cultivation schedule is met. This is imperative, as optimal rice produc- tion is dependent on water resources, delivery systems and cultivation timings. Despite having an established irrigation and drainage system, Suriname does not have a record of its hydrology capabilities which can be used to maintain an effective and timely water delivery mechanism. As such, the RL project’s development of an integrated water management system component will examine on-farmwater management so that its use can be optimised at the farmer’s level. A rehabilitation programme will also be developed within the water management component to concentrate on impor- tant physical works such as land levelling to optimise on-farm water usage. Due to the continuous double cropping system in Suriname, the final part of land preparation, levelling, is very often not done to the required specifications. This affects water distribution which, in turn, increases the weed population due to parts of the rice field being sporadically unsubmerged. Land levelling improves water coverage and reduces weed problems, resulting in improved uniformity of cropmaturity and a reduction in the amount of water required for land preparation and crop establishment. Finally, institu- tional capacity in irrigation and water resources development is also included in this component to increase knowledge of integrated water management systems in Suriname. It is important to mention that the most significant impact on the success of this RL project has been Ambassador Anwar Lall Mohamed, special advisor to the president of Suriname on development and investment matters, and Suriname’s alternate IsDB governor. His endless advice, guidance and assiduous labour have turned the RL project into a reality. Furthermore, as chairman of the RL project’s Joint Coordination Committee (JCC), he will continue to closely monitor every activity and programme to ensure that the delivery of the project outputs and the attainment of its outcomes reach their expected levels. Another important first for an RL project is the willing- ness of the Suriname government to undertake a loan from IsDB to finance the project. It reflects the government’s belief Malaysian experts and LVV personnel taking soil samples from a farmer’s field in Nickerie Image: MARDI Corporation