More farmers and extension intermediaries are improving their rice farming knowledge and skills through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP). Dr. Karen Eloisa T. Barroga, DA-PhilRice deputy executive director for development and RCEF-RESP vice-chairperson, reported reaching some 8M stakeholders in 2021 through PhilRice’s training, communication support services, as well as knowledge sharing and learning activities. This was presented during the recent DA-PhilRice RCEF Seeds and Extension annual […]

In a 2017 study by DA-PhilRice, the ability of Filipino farmers to obtain maximum production is only 80.19% despite technological advancements. The study concluded that better education, membership in an organization, securing tenurial status, and participation in training could help increase farmers’ yields. In the following accounts, farmers tell their story of how training programs have changed their farming—for good. JUDY S. ORENSE, 52, BAGO CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL I started […]

Face-to-face communication is among the casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic. But Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has helped us remain connected somehow, providing a safe solution to survive the new normal. In rice farming, ICT-based technologies are supplying stakeholders, particularly farmers, science-based information that they can depend on in their decision-making – it’s all in their phones or computers. Even before the pandemic, efforts to harness the power of ICT […]

Owing to production challenges, such as unstable prices and climate-related stresses, many farmers might have been contemplating on leaving rice farming. But for Leo Franco L. Ebardo of Bayugan City and Terencio R. Oquendo, Jr. of Esperanza, both in Agusan del Sur, their choice is to join this bumpy ride of producing more rice. Truth to tell, they have joined the Esperanza Seed Growers-Farmers’ Association (ESEGFA), which was born in […]

As farmers prepare for dry season, the Rice Productivity Advocacy Incorporated (Rice Board) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) promoted the local public hybrid to rice tillers. In a recent webinar, Rice Board Pres. Recher Ondap said the activity aimed to transfer technologies that could increase yield and lower production cost on rice production, which include cultivating Mestizo 1 and Mestiso 20. Studies show that […]

Hybrid rice farmers and seed growers can now quickly assess seed purity with the addition of a new trait in Mestiso 20 (M20), a public hybrid rice variety. To assess seed purity as early as seedling stage, PhilRice researchers have introduced purple coloration on the leaf sheaths of the male parents of M20 while keeping the other traits intact. As hybrids are generated through outcrossing of two different rice lines, […]

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration recently announced the beginning of the rainy season. For rice farmers, this marked another period of tireless labor to produce the country’s main staple. While some get overwhelmed, Nueva Ecija farmer Julian Soteo, 64, never frets. He makes sure that his decisions are right, especially in nutrient management. Farmers’ ally Fertilizers are essential as they help nourish the crop and produce good […]

Farmers always aim for bountiful harvest. To attain this, some farmers overfeed the rice crop with nutrients; a huge mistake they often make. A PhilRice study in Agusan del Norte, where rice fields are supposed to be mineral-rich, showed that deficiency is possible despite the presence of nutrients in the soil.  Thus, farmers should only apply needed fertilizers to avoid complications from other nutrients. Understanding soil properties Considered under the […]

Bountiful harvest starts with the right seeds. This is why farmers like Ricardo Martinez, 59, of Bacolor, Pampanga is sometimes overwhelmed with the choices that he has to take before planting time. For which is just the fitting variety to plant among the more than 300 rice varieties approved by the National Seed Industry Council (then Philippine Seed Board) since 1977? Choose right With almost 30 years of farming experience, […]

Farmers often get excited come harvest time. Unfortunately, some overlook that postproduction practices are as important as growing rice. A 2010 study by the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization shows that 16.47% of rice is lost on postproduction. When saved, experts said, the losses could have covered the amount of rice imported annually. Dealing with rice the right way 1. Harvest at the right time As rice varieties […]