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

According to a report from the Quang Ngai Provincial Agricultural Extension Center, the weather conditions during the 2025-2026 winter-spring crop season were favorable for the growth and development of the TBR97 rice variety. Monitoring showed a high germination rate of over 95%, with a growth period of 110-115 days. The rice plants grew vigorously, tillered early and densely, and had strong stems, making them resistant to lodging.

Regarding pests and diseases, TBR97 shows a clear advantage over the commonly grown variety. Infection levels of leaf-rolling caterpillars, brown planthoppers, bacterial blight, and brown spot are all low. Its resistance to brown planthoppers and blast disease is rated well, contributing to reduced control costs and minimized production risks.

The yield components of the variety also yielded positive results. The number of panicles per square meter reached 341, and the percentage of filled grains was high. The average actual yield was 72.9 quintals/ha, and under good intensive cultivation conditions, it could exceed 75 quintals/ha, which is about 7–8 quintals/ha higher than the commonly produced variety.

Despite its advantages, the TBR97 rice variety model still faces some difficulties, such as the impact of unfavorable weather conditions during the late flowering stage and the uneven investment in fertilizers by farmers.

Locals are thrilled to see the TBR97 rice variety yielding high productivity. Photo: Tuan Anh.

According to the assessment of the Quang Ngai Provincial Agricultural Extension Center, the TBR97 rice variety is suitable for the climate and soil conditions of the western region of Quang Ngai province. The variety not only yields high productivity but also has good resistance to diseases and pests, and produces rice of decent quality, meeting the requirements for commercial production.

Observations at the model rice fields show that many households expressed their delight at the TBR97 rice variety's good adaptability. Even when cultivated in unfavorable soil conditions, the rice plants still grew healthily and developed uniformly.

With one sao (approximately 1000 square meters) participating in the model, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thanh (village 6, Dak Ha commune) could not hide his excitement at witnessing the practical results right on his family's field. According to him, while old rice varieties were frequently damaged by pests and diseases, requiring many sprayings, with TBR97, the level of pest and disease infestation has decreased significantly, the rice plants grow healthily, and require less intervention.

Moreover, production costs have been significantly reduced. The amount of pesticides and fertilizers used is only about half of what it used to be, helping the family reduce investment pressure while still ensuring efficiency. Mr. Thanh added that during cultivation, even when the fields lacked water at times, the rice plants remained strong, grew steadily, and were not significantly affected.

"Having observed the entire crop, I found this variety easier to cultivate, less susceptible to pests and diseases, with lower costs and a fairly high yield. Compared to previous varieties, the efficiency is clearly higher," Mr. Thanh shared, expressing his desire to continue cultivating this rice variety in future seasons.

Not only did they experience the taste, many households participating in the TBR97 rice variety demonstration model also witnessed the actual harvest in the fields. Accordingly, on an area of ​​1m2, the TBR97 rice variety yielded 1.1 kg of fresh rice (equivalent to 11 tons of fresh rice/ha), which surprised many households.

According to Ms. Pham Thi Diep, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Dak Ha commune, based on observations at the model rice fields, the TBR97 rice variety has shown clear effectiveness with superior yields compared to many varieties currently in mass production. The rice plants grow well, are less susceptible to pests and diseases, and are suitable for local farming conditions.

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

Mr. Trieu Tan Phu, Director of ThaiBinh Seed Co., Ltd. - Central and Central Highlands Region, said that TBR97 has now become one of the main rice varieties in the production structure of the South Central Coastal region, including Quang Ngai province. Production practice shows that this rice variety not only adapts well but also yields very high productivity, with some households harvesting over 1 ton of dry rice per sao (approximately 1000 square meters). In addition, the rice quality is also considered quite good, meeting market demands.

“In the coming time, the unit will continue to coordinate with the Quang Ngai Provincial Agricultural Extension Center and localities to expand demonstration models and introduce more new rice varieties into production. At the same time, we will promote the transfer of scientific and technical advancements in the fields, especially guiding farmers to reduce the amount of seeds sown in a reasonable way, in order to save costs and improve farming efficiency,” Mr. Phu shared.