TBR97 rice variety delivers outstanding results

On May 5, the Quang Ngai Agricultural Extension Center, in coordination with ThaiBinh Seed Central - Central Highlands Co., Ltd. (ThaiBinh Seed Group), organized a field workshop for the TBR97 rice variety demonstration model. The model was implemented on a 2-hectare scale in the Dak Ha and Ia Chim communes, involving 13 farming households.

According to a report from the Quang Ngai Agricultural Extension Center, weather conditions during the 2025–2026 winter-spring crop were favorable for the growth and development of the TBR97 rice variety. Monitoring results showed a germination rate of over 95%, with a growth duration of 110–115 days. The rice plants grew vigorously, tillered early and uniformly, with strong stems and good lodging resistance.

Regarding pests and diseases, TBR97 demonstrated clear advantages compared to commonly cultivated varieties. The incidence of leaf folder pests, brown planthoppers, sheath blight, and brown spot disease remained low. Its resistance to brown planthoppers and rice blast disease was assessed as good, helping reduce pest control costs and limiting production risks.

The variety's yield components also showed positive results. The number of panicles reached 341 per square meter, with a high filled-grain rate. The average actual yield reached 7.29 quintals per hectare and, under intensive cultivation conditions, could exceed 7.5 quintals per hectare, around 0.7–0.8 quintals higher than those of commonly cultivated varieties.

Besides these advantages, the TBR97 model still encountered certain difficulties, such as unfavorable weather during the late-flowering stage and uneven fertilizer investment among farmers.

According to the Quang Ngai Agricultural Extension Center, the TBR97 rice variety is suitable for the climate and soil conditions in the western region of Quang Ngai Province. The variety not only delivers high yields but also has good resilience and fairly good rice quality, meeting the requirements of commercial production.

Field observations at the demonstration plots showed that many farmers expressed excitement as the TBR97 variety adapted well to local conditions. Even when cultivated on less favorable fields, the rice plants still grew strongly and uniformly.

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thanh from Hamlet 6, Dak Ha Commune, could not hide his excitement upon seeing the actual results on his family’s field. According to him, previous rice varieties were often heavily affected by pests and diseases, requiring frequent pesticide spraying. With TBR97, however, pest and disease incidence was significantly reduced, and the rice plants grew well with less intervention.

Not only that, but production costs were also reduced considerably. The amount of pesticides and fertilizers used was only about half compared to previous crops, helping his family reduce investment pressure while still ensuring efficiency. Mr. Thanh added that during cultivation, even when the field experienced temporary water shortages, the rice plants remained upright and continued growing steadily, with little impact.

“After observing the entire crop, I found this variety easier to cultivate, with fewer pests and diseases, lower costs, and fairly high yields. Compared to previous varieties, the efficiency is clearly higher,” Mr. Thanh shared, expressing his hope to continue cultivating this rice variety in future seasons.

Mrs. Pham Thi Diep, Vice Chairwoman of the People’s Committee of Dak Ha Commune, said that through actual monitoring of the demonstration fields, the TBR97 variety had shown clear effectiveness with superior yields compared to widely commonly cultivated varieties. The rice plants grew well, had low pest incidence, and were well-suited to local cultivation conditions.

“In the coming time, the locality hopes that the Agricultural Extension Center and ThaiBinh Seed Central - Central Highlands Co., Ltd. will continue expanding demonstration models and introducing more new high-yield, high-quality rice varieties into production. This will create conditions for farmers to access and select suitable varieties, contributing to improved production efficiency and income,” Mrs. Diep shared.

Mr. Trieu Tan Phu, Director of ThaiBinh Seed Central - Central Highlands Co., Ltd., said that TBR97 has now become one of the key rice varieties in the production structure of the Central Highlands region, including Quang Ngai Province. Actual production has shown that the variety not only adapts well but also delivers very high yields, with some households harvesting over one ton of dry rice per sao. In addition, the rice quality has been highly appreciated and meets market demand.