Zwijnaarde, Belgium
13 April, 2011

Devgen and PT. Sang Hyang Seri (Persero) (SHS) launched the rice hybrid DG 1 SHS in November 2010, in key rice growing areas in Aceh, Sumatra, Java and Sulawesi. This launch was supported by an expert team of Devgen product specialists and the SHS marketing team who provide training and education to the local farmers.

Harvest ceremony on April 6th, 2011 in Bantul conducted by senior government officials, the Chief of the National Outstanding Farmers Association, and the CEO's of both the government owned seed company PT (Persero) Sang Hyang Seri and Devgen.

The success of the first season was celebrated in a harvest ceremony in Bantul regency on April 6th, 2011. In 2011, Devgen and SHS target to further increase the supply of Devgen's premium hybrid rice seed to the Indonesian grower.

Pak End Juhaeri, Jember. The response of farmers was highly positive in all planting areas and was hailed as being fully adapted to local requirements: "DG1 SHS gave high yield in 116 days (9-10 ton/ha on average, vs 6-7 ton/ha for inbreds). The grain is long slender (versus bold grain of other hybrids) and tastes like the popular variety Ciherang. Unlike other hybrids in the market DG 1 SHS is also suited for the rainy season, when pest and disease pressure is high."

Bapak Winarno Tohir, Chief of National Outstanding Farmers Association ("NOFA") which has more than 60 million members and Bapak Eddy Budiono, President Director of SHS stated: "As per government policy and farmers' dream, SHS and NOFA will work together with Devgen towards the increase of rice productivity in Indonesia. Hybrid rice that is fully adapted to our Indonesian climate and farmer requirements can significantly contribute to securing Indonesia's strategic food supply. We are pleased to work with Devgen to achieve this goal to the benefit of the grower. In April 2011 wet season harvesting, we were all pleasantly surprised by DG 1 SHS's outstanding performance in wet condition, which is uncommon in other hybrid rice."

"Devgen is pleased to see its technology, expertise and new products deliver in its partnership with SHS" says Thierry Bogaert, CEO Devgen "New products are expected to be launched and registered in 2011."
 

Website: http://www.devgen.com

Published: April 13, 2011