Diversity of local rice genetic resources in marginal semi-arid of East Nusa Tenggara: Status and conservation

Abstract

In a marginal semi-arid environment, the cultivation of local upland rice is important as a staple food. However, climate change impacts genetic erosion, which can ultimately disrupt farmers’ food security and sovereignty. This study aims to understand the status of existence, cultivation methods, and conservation management by farmers in semi-arid areas. This study used primary data collected through interviews to determine the status of local upland rice and primary data on cultivation and conservation management. The location and respondents were selected purposively. The results showed that ENT Province has 81 varieties of upland rice: 20 accessions from Southwest Sumba, 22 from Ende, 15 from Ngada, and 24 from North Central Timor. All respondents stated that local upland rice is essential for food security, as 95% of the production is consumed as a staple food. Farmers’ interest in cultivating local rice is due to its advantages such as drought resistance, pest resistance, low production costs, and good taste. Farmers carry out traditional seed conservation, such as placing them in woven buri palm leaf containers. This requires integrating and considering technological interventions in regional agricultural development policies.