Summary

NSW DPI provides the main research and extension programs for the rice industry and rice farming systems. The team has been largely responsible for the 30% yield increase and 60% water productivity improvement up to the 2001 harvest. Drought and a severe cold season in the last 6 years has temporarily halted this progress. This project aims to improve rice profitability and sustainability by targeting programs linked to improving yield and water productivity. A further 2 % increase in yields in the 2007/08 season and in water productivity will assist rice farmers maintain profitability. It is planned to increase consultation with the Environmental Champions Program and attempt to identify some new environmental checks for Ricecheck. The Ricecheck data base is being interoggated for all water productivity data to allow the development of new water productivity targets for each valley and for the varieties Amaroo and Langi. The high communication skills of the extension team allows close collaboration and teamwork with researchers, commercial agronomists, Rice R@D committee, other agencies and farmers enabling effective delivery of new practices and technology for the rice industry. A wide range of extension activities is planned to suit the learning needs of farmers and stakeholders.

Program

Rice

Research Organisation

New South Wales Department of Industry and Investment for and on behalf of the State of NSW – Inactive

Objective Summary

It is planned to increase consultation with the Environmental Champions Program and attempt to identify some new environmental checks for Ricecheck.