Impactful Campus: Faculty of Agriculture, Udayana University Conducts Local Rice Seed Harvest in Subak Wongaya Betan, Tabanan

Impactful Campus: Faculty of Agriculture, Udayana University Conducts Local Rice Seed Harvest in Subak Wongaya Betan, Tabanan

Tabanan – The Bali Local Rice Research Team of the Faculty of Agriculture, Udayana University (Unud), carried out a joint harvesting activity of “Bali Local Rice Seeds” at Subak Wongaya Betan, Mengesta Village, Penebel District, Tabanan Regency, Bali, on Sunday (21/12/2025). The activity was attended by the Rector of Udayana University along with the Vice Rector for Student Affairs, the Head of LPPM, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Prof. I Nyoman Suarsana, the Head of the Somya Pertiwi Organic Rice Farmers Group, the Subak Head, the Village Head, the Traditional Village Head of Mengesta, representatives of the Agricultural Extension Center (BPP) and Agricultural Extension Officers (PPL) of Penebel District, the Bali Local Rice research team, and other farmers.

The Head of the Research Team, Dr. Ir. I Gede Wijana, M.S, in his report stated that Bali Local Rice has distinctive advantages, including its soft and fluffy rice texture as well as a unique aroma that forms an essential part of Bali’s culinary identity and agricultural culture. However, these local varieties still face several challenges, such as long harvesting periods, relatively low productivity, and the lack of guaranteed genetic purity, which limits their optimal development. In fact, these local varieties possess important germplasm value for both national and regional breeding programs.

Wijana expressed hope that in the future it will be possible to develop superior Bali Local Rice varieties with a shorter growing period, higher productivity, while maintaining the soft rice texture and distinctive aroma, so that increased yields can be achieved without abandoning local wisdom values. As an initial step in the Bali Local Rice development research program, activities for collecting and purifying parent lines were conducted as a foundation for germplasm conservation.

“This activity aims to obtain original or truly pure seeds through a purification process. By planting purified seeds, it is expected that the sustainability of Bali local rice can be maintained,” he explained.

Furthermore, it was explained that this activity is a collaboration between Udayana University through the Bali Local Rice Development Research Team of the Faculty of Agriculture and the Somya Pertiwi Organic Rice Farmers Group of Mengesta Village, Penebel District, Tabanan. The Bali Local Rice Seed Harvest activity for seed purification was carried out on assisted farmers’ land with the aim of providing understanding and direct examples of basic seed purification techniques. Several criteria were considered, including healthy field conditions, appropriate harvest age (≥85 percent of grains turning yellow per panicle), healthy and fully filled rice clumps and grains, long panicles, and ensuring varietal authenticity. After harvesting and drying the grain, seed vigor tests such as a flotation test using a salt solution can be conducted. Selected panicles are prioritized from the main stem and early tillers, rather than from advanced tillers.

Meanwhile, the Rector of Udayana University, Prof. Ir. I Ketut Sudarsana, S.T., Ph.D, in his remarks stated that Bali Local Rice is a very valuable germplasm heritage, not only for Bali but also for the development of national agriculture. The advantages of Bali local rice, such as its soft texture and distinctive aroma, represent cultural and culinary identities that must be preserved collectively. However, it is also acknowledged that local rice faces challenges, including relatively low productivity, long harvest periods, and the lack of guaranteed seed purity. Therefore, the activity carried out today has strategic significance. The purification of Bali local rice seeds is a very important initial step in maintaining genetic purity, improving seed quality, and serving as a foundation for the development of superior varieties based on local wisdom.

“This effort is in line with the role of Udayana University as a higher education institution committed to the development of science, the conservation of local genetic resources, and community service,” stated the Rector.

The Rector also expressed his highest appreciation for the collaboration between the Bali Local Rice Development Research Team of the Faculty of Agriculture, Udayana University, and the Somya Pertiwi Organic Rice Farmers Group. This cooperation reflects real synergy between academics and farmers, where knowledge does not remain confined to laboratories but is directly applied in the field to provide tangible benefits to the community. He also hoped that farmers would gain understanding and skills in conventional seed purification techniques, while for researchers, this activity serves as a valuable source of data and field experience for further research development. Thus, the sustainability of Bali local rice can be continuously maintained while supporting food security and sustainable agriculture. In closing, he affirmed that Udayana University will continue to be committed to supporting research and community service activities based on local potential, oriented toward sustainability, and involving all stakeholders, and expressed hope that this activity can serve as a model of collaboration that can be developed in other regions of Bali.