BASF has inaugurated a new Rice Knowledge Centre at its Agricultural Research Station in Bay, Laguna, Philippines
The new facility centralises BASF’s global expertise in rice cultivation, and supports the delivery of enhanced agronomic and technical support to farmers seeking to increase productivity more sustainably.
“Rice is the staple food of more than half the world’s population, and farmers have an extraordinary challenge to meet growing demand for rice, while minimising the impact to the environment,” said Gustavo Palerosi Carneiro, senior vice president, crop protection, Asia Pacific at BASF. “The new BASF Rice Knowledge Centre will enable us to share the latest technologies and best practices with growers, so that we can drive further innovation in rice production.”
BASF’s global network of crop protection experts and technical representatives will be able to leverage the Rice Knowledge Centre when providing training, advice and support to growers. Demonstration plots and field trials at the new centre will also complement the work of BASF research sites around the region.
“The opening of the new centre supports BASF’s recent introduction of new solutions for rice growers in Asia Pacific, such as Seltima, a highly effective fungicide that is safe for the aquatic environment of rice paddies, and Xemco, an innovative insecticide for many common rice pests,” said Dr Edson Begliomini, BASF’s regional head for research and development. “Through this centralised platform, we can foster deeper relationships and collaboration with the rice industry, local government, and academia. Together, we will address common challenges facing today’s rice growers around the region.”
