Evaluation des performances agro-morphologique des variétés du riz de bas-fonds dans une approche de smart valleys

In Niger, rice cultivation has become a strategic priority due to its crucial role in achieving food security and rice self-sufficiency. This self-sufficiency could be attained by making a wider range of rice varieties, better adapted to lowland areas, available. The objective of this study is to evaluate, through a participatory process, nine (9) varieties to contribute to improving rice production within the framework of the Smart Valleys approach. The experimental design used is a complete block randomization trial in three (3) lowland areas: Sabon Guida-Tarka, Louhoudou-Maggia, and Abonkor-tounga fouri-Dallol Maouri, over two rainy seasons. The results showed that the varieties ARS767-B-B-B (4.1 t/ha), ART143-24-B-1-B-B (3.8 t/ha), ART143-150-B-1-B-B (5.1 t/ha), ART143-44-B-1-B-B (5 t/ha), ART478-13-3-1-1-B (4.6 t/ha), and NERICA L-19 (4.1 t/ha) performed satisfactorily. The average growing cycle of the tested varieties was 92 days. From a socio-economic and participatory perspective, producers particularly appreciated the varieties ART 143-44-B-1-B, ART 143-24-B-1-BB, and ART143-150-B-1-B-B. The selection criteria used by farmers for these varieties were high productivity (97%), a short growing cycle (91%), dense panicles (85%), good taste (80%), and long grain (87%). The results also showed that rice farmers who adopted the smart valley approach were able to double or even triple their production. Farmer engagement could encourage the adoption of new varieties, and applying the results of this study will help increase rice production in Niger.