Rice Research & Development Laboratory
Empowering Excellence in Grain Quality for the Future of Agribusiness
Rice is the lifeblood of agriculture, nourishing millions while driving economies. At CIC Agribusinesses, we recognize the critical importance of advancing rice research to meet the evolving needs of consumers and stakeholders. The CIC Rice Research & Development Laboratory, nestled within the CIC Seed Farm at Pelwehera, stands as a cornerstone of innovation, dedicated to ensuring superior grain quality through cutting-edge research and analysis.
Pioneering Grain Quality Excellence
Grain quality is a multifaceted determinant of rice's appeal, both in the market and at the table. The laboratory's mission aligns seamlessly with our commitment to providing rice varieties with unmatched quality. We meticulously analyze processing quality, grain appearance quality, cooking and eating quality, and nutritional and health properties, ensuring every grain meets the highest standards.
Our Grain Quality Laboratory plays a pivotal role in:
Processing Quality Assessment: Evaluating traits critical for milling and storage efficiency.
Grain Appearance Analysis: Ensuring visual appeal that meets consumer expectations.
Cooking & Eating Quality Testing: Analyzing texture, aroma, and flavor to meet diverse culinary preferences.
Health Property Pre-Screening: Conducting initial glycemic index (GI) tests to address growing consumer demand for health-focused rice varieties.
Collaboration with Accredited Laboratories for Advanced Testing
In our pursuit of excellence, the Grain Quality Laboratory collaborates with internationally accredited laboratories for advanced analyses, such as nutritional profiling and antioxidant activity evaluation. This seamless integration of in-house expertise and external validation ensures that every parameter of grain quality is rigorously assessed and confirmed.
Driving Success through Innovation and Precision
Our facility's unique contribution lies in its integration with the rice improvement program at CIC Agribusinesses. This synergy enables the development of rice varieties that not only excel in agronomic performance but also captivate global markets with their superior grain quality. By utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and adhering to stringent scientific protocols, we ensure accuracy, reliability, and consistency in every analysis.
Maintaining a dedicated Rice Research & Development Laboratory underscores our commitment to:
Enhancing the value chain of agribusiness through innovation.
Meeting the dynamic preferences of global rice consumers.
Strengthening Sri Lanka’s position in the global rice market.
CIC Agribusinesses takes pride in setting benchmarks for grain quality, fostering trust and satisfaction among our partners and consumers. The Rice Research & Development Laboratory at CIC Seed Farm, Pelwehera, symbolizes our relentless pursuit of scientific excellence and agribusiness innovation, ensuring the sustainability and profitability of rice cultivation for generations to come.
At CIC Agribusinesses, we’re not just maintaining a laboratory—we’re creating a legacy of excellence that elevates rice from a staple to a standard of perfection.
Experience the difference that science and innovation can make. Together, let’s shape the future of rice, one superior grain at a time.
Vegetable and Corn
Research and Development (R & D) Program of CIC Agribusiness
First private seed company in Sri Lanka to initiate R & D in variety development
Phase I
Conducting - variety evaluation trials - Agronomic trials.
Breeder seed production of Open pollinated varieties (OPVs) selected from farmer fields.
Post control testing of commercial hybrids imported by CIC.
Breeder seed production of locally identified vegetables
Bitter gourd – “kalu karawila”
Brinjal – “Lena iri”
YLB – “Mus mae”
YLB – “Bonchi mae”
Phase II
Rice variety development targeting specialty rice (healthy and high grain quality)
Rice (R & D) field
Phase III
1. Preliminary varietal testing with commercial exotic varieties.
2. Hybrid seed production.
3. Hybrid variety development in Vegetable and Field Crops.
With the technical support provided by the DOA, CIC Agribusinesses commissioned a formal hybrid development program.
The general objective is to reduce the dependency of imported hybrid seed.
1. Preliminary varietal testing with commercial exotic varieties
Okra trial with CIC OK 002
Brinjal trial with CIC OK 002
2. Hybrid seed production
Chilli and Capsicum (DOA Hybrids)
Chilli (MI CH HY 01)
Closed growth tunnels- 400 sq m
Male plants per tunnel: 130
Female Plant per tunnel: 450
Capsicum “Prarthana”
Closed growth tunnels- 400 sq m
Male plants per tunnel: 138
Female Plant per tunnel: 460
Corn hybrid CIC “Supiri” seed production
Initially registered by the DOA for importing and selling seed.
Later, CIC Agribusiness bought the production rights to produced seeds locally.
Commercial CIC Supiri Cultivation in Farmer fields.
3. CIC Hybrid variety development program
Selected Crops: Chilli, Seedfarm, Okra, Brinjal, Corn, Pumpkin and Seedfarm Chinense (“Nai Miris”)
Developed hybrids:
Brinjal – CIC BR 002
Okra – CIC OK 002
Chilli - CIC HP 160
Chilli - CIC HP 120
Seedfarm – CIC CP 90
Corn – CIC Supiri
Pumpkin/ Nai Miris – In progress
R & D Infrastructure facilities at CIC seed farm, Pelwehera
Infrastructure facilities at CIC Seed farm, Hingurakgoda
Chilli - CIC HP 160
Chilli - CIC HP 120
CIC CP 090
Okra – CIC OK 0002
Okra – CIC OK 002 in farmer fields
Brinjal - CIC BR 002
Brinjal – CIC BR 002 in farmer fields
Seed
Research & Development
Innovation is the cornerstone of CIC Seeds’ success driven by a robust Research & Development (R & D) program. Our R & D efforts aim to create next-generation seeds that assure higher productivity, resilience, and sustainability.
Our R & D team specializes in developing hybrid vegetable varieties that combine desirable traits such as early maturity, high yields, high nutritive value, extended shelf life, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Through an iterative process of research, field trials, and farmer feedback, CIC ensures that its products remain at the forefront of agricultural innovation.
Collaboration with International partners
CIC Seeds has forged strategic partnerships with globally renowned agri-tech companies joining the global value chain. These collaborations allow us to access the most advanced crop breeding techniques, cutting-edge genomic tools, and the latest agricultural innovations. CIC Seeds,
Conduct joint breeding programs with foreign seed companies to incorporate global traits into locally developed crop varieties.
Exchange knowledge with our international stakeholders to stay abreast of global advancements in seed science.
CIC Seeds Pvt. Ltd. is more than a seed provider; we are a catalyst for agricultural transformation. By blending local expertise with international innovations, we are creating a future where farmers can thrive, communities can prosper, and food security can be ensured for all.
With a relentless focus on quality, sustainability, and farmer satisfaction, CIC Seeds is planting the seeds for a brighter, more resilient tomorrow.
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