All for high-quality seeds. PhilRice Bicol urged seed growers and farmers to plant newly released and promising rice varieties during the Rice Seed System Field day in Camarines Norte, Oct. 2. The project, Strengthening the Seed Production and Distribution Pathways in Bicol and Eastern Visayas Region (The Rice Seed Systems Project) showcased the following varieties to farmers: NSIC Rc 25 (upland), NSIC Rc 346 (rainfed), NSIC Rc 440, NSIC RC 400, NSIC Rc 402, and NSIC Rc 360. Through a farmers’ votation, the event identified NSIC Rc 360 as the best performing variety. Varities NSIC Rc 25 and NSIC Rc 346 were also seen as promising varieties for the area as they perform well even in times of water shortage. This varietal demo also serves as the province’s seed source as the seeds were registered by the partner-seed grower to NSQCS for seed production. Participants also identified the best adapted rice varieties through a participatory varietal selection called “Farm Walk.”
