Rice research priorities for Madagascar"s middle west

A diagnostic survey was conducted in 1989 in the Middle West, one of the six major rice-growing areas. Agroecosystems, farmer practices and knowledge, major problems affecting the productivity and sustainability of farming systems, farmer problemsolving behavior, and interactions among system components were examined. Three priorities were identified for research on rainfed lowland rice: improved germplasm with tolerance for excess water, control of the rice hispa disease, and improved water management in the rice-growing minivalleys. Four priorities for research on upland rice were identified: control of insect pests (especially Heteronychus spp.), improved soil nutrient management and soil erosion control, weed control (especially Striga spp., Rottboellia spp.), and breeding higher yielding varieties. The survey also served as a training exercise for national rice scientists. (Author abstract)