Some rice varieties extinct in Bengkulu

BENGKULU (JP): Three strains of rice are no longer found in Bengkulu due to inappropriate agricultural policies imposed in the province during the New Order era, says an official.

The deputy chief of the provincial agriculture office, Syarifuddin Khalik, named the rice varieties as Kedurang, Seginim and Talang Benih.

He blamed the New Order government for forbidding farmers from planting varieties that could be harvested only twice a year.

Local farmers last planted the rice varieties in 1979.

"The government forced the farmers to plant the Pelita variety, which allowed farmers to harvest three times a year.

"However, annual gains from Pelita rice is no higher than from the three varieties, despite the extra harvest," Khalik said. -- Antara