GSL/AID/IRRI rice research project : 2 year review

Special evaluation covers the period 5/77-5/79 and is based on site visits and interviews with project and Government of Sri Lanka (GSL) personnel. Substantial progress has been made in developing insect- and pest-resistant rice varieties. Land characterizations have been developed which will enable rice varieties to be tailored to specific conditions and help farmers identify cropping patterns for increased production. In addition, research on rice-based cropping systems has generated data which may help increase cropping intensity. Production constraints have been identified and targeted for further research. However, research has been slowed somewhat by shortages of both resident specialists and local staff and by delayed commodity procurement. Technical assistance (TA) in rice breeding and cropping systems was provided as planned, but significant problems were encountered in TA for the field trials program. Field trials also suffered from training shortfalls; none of 4 planned degree trainees began training, only 5 of 21 planned short courses have been completed, and no workshops or seminars have been held. For the cropping systems program, only one of 12 person-years of degree training planned has been provided; short-term training is on schedule. Recommendations are to: link rice breeders more closely with regional adaptive trials agronomists and define breeders' responsibilities; provide adequate gall midge rearing facilities at the Central Agricultural Research Institute; intensify research on agronomic crop management; make regional stations responsible for field trials; disseminate project data to extensionists and farmers; improve linkages among the International Rice Research Institute, the GSL extension program, and AID-sponsored integrated water management projects; budget additional M.S., Ph.D., and non degree training; provide additional clerical and accounting assistance; and extend TA for the field trials program by 1 person-year. Future efforts should focus on cultural practices and management of rice, seed problems, expansion of germplasm screening and testing, research data dissemination, and relevant aspects of rural sociology.