Rice Product Development

Pioneer began hybrid rice breeding in Hyderabad, India, in 1988. The principal target areas are the irrigated rice growing regions of India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Of the 40 million hectares planted to rice in India, more than 22 million are suited for hybrid production. Hybrids often yield an extra ton of grain per hectare over local, improved varieties. Major breeding objectives are improved yield, standability, food quality and insect and disease resistance.

Pioneer was the first to commercialize rice hybrids in India with the 1993 release of Pioneer® hybrid 31. The major hybrid Pioneer sells today is Pioneer® hybrid 71, released in 1995. New hybrids are being commercialized every year for the different rice-growing areas of India. At the present time, Pioneer offers seven commercial hybrids of differing maturities and areas of adaptation, including premium quality hybrids for South India. Pioneer also has commercial hybrids in Indonesia and is testing pre-commercial hybrids in the Philippines and Vietnam.

In the last two years Pioneer has more than tripled the number of rice researchers and has greatly expanded hybrid testing across key countries in Asia. Pioneer is now using molecular techniques to increase the efficiency of its breeding program.