Hybrid rice development in Indonesia: constraints and opportunities

This paper reviews the constraints and opportunities of hybrid rice development in Indonesia. Indonesia has released more than a hundred hybrid rice varieties; Indonesian Center for Rice Research (ICRR) developed 21 varieties. Extensive trials were conducted on the various aspects of seed production by government sectors and private companies. Significant progress has been made in hybrid rice seed production, with seed yield increasing from 1 t/ha to 3 t/ha. Various problems should be considered to develop a good seed production system. The constraints are the low outcrossing rate, shortage of suitable land, high cost and labor, lack of trained personnel, climatic fluctuations in rainfall and temperature, and limited hybrid rice seed grower. Private sectors investment in hybrid rice has been increased. Positive support from government and private companies will boost hybrid rice’s adoption rapidity. Collaboration of hybrid rice dissemination across institutions was a meaningful way to encourage hybrid rice adoption. Optimizing seed production technologies could significantly increase the present level of hybrid seed yield. The opportunities are an increase of rice demand, various materials genetic, distribution of rice ecosystem, and public-private sector partnership that developed on hybrid seed production to accelerate the adoption of hybrid rice. It supports not only the research and development but also the dissemination and adoption.