Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – In an unusual time when farmers recently formed human barricades to inform government that they are experiencing hunger owing to extreme weather conditions, the Rice Science Museum features adaptive measures on climate change in its new exhibit. Titled Transformations in Progress, the 4th exhibit launched April 21, displays dioramas on emerging yet easy to adopt farm practices that can help farmers cope with unfavorable situations. The […]

PhilRice’s branch in Midsayap, North Cotabato was awarded as the 2015 Best Station, an annual internal competition among the seven branch stations of the Institute across the country. The 94-ha station was cited for a very informative farmers’ field day and forum in September 2015 which gathered over 700 farmers from southwestern Mindanao. It was also lauded for good governance. Dr. Sailila E. Abdula, acting branch director, believes that this […]

The Department of Agriculture (DA) recognized the top rice producing provinces and municipalities during the 2015 Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards (APRAA) at the Resorts World Manila, April 20. DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the combined efforts of hardworking farmers, local government units (LGUs), and DA is key in achieving more than18M metric tons annual rice yield in the past five years. He also reported that the Philippines is acclaimed […]

Experts at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) urge farmers not to burn rice straws, locally known as dayami, for environmental and economic reasons. Burning of rice straws, generally practiced during the harvest season, causes air pollutants such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and sulphur dioxide. If continually done, it will decrease soil’s nitrogen, 25% of phosphorus, 20% of potassium, and 5-60% of sulfur. The practice also damages […]

Micronutrient deficiency or hidden hunger refers to vitamin and mineral deficiencies affecting people of all ages and gender regardless of socioeconomic status.

By: Mary Grace Padin Filipino farmers earned an estimated $560 million from planting genetically modified (GM) corn in 2003 to 2014, according to data from the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA). The ISAAA report, titled Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops: 2015, revealed that in 2014 alone, farmers gained $89 million. “[The data] goes to show that we have to invest in technology that will improve […]

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Los Baños, Laguna featured rice-based farming systems that boost farmers’ income in their first quarterly seminar series, April 6. With the theme, Exploring the benefits of diversified rice-based farming for food security and increased income, the seminar gathered experts from PhilRice collaborators in the scientific community such as UP Los Baños (UPLB), Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources […]

In broad-daylight January 2015, the weather was stunningly fine, the air was soothingly fresh, and the mountains exuded a breath-taking sight as he was transplanting his delicate, young rice seedlings on his field. A week after, however, dark clouds slowly shrouded the mountains, heavy rains poured, and strong winds battered his recovering plants. Typhoon Amang came and harassed his hope for a bountiful harvest. “Nalumural ako” (I felt devastated), farmer […]