What is varmix? Varietal Mixture (VarMix) is a mixture of seeds of selected varieties with closely similar agronomic traits but with genetic dissimilarities. Agronomic traits pertain to maturity, height, and grain size, and shape, while genetic dissimilarities refer to the distinct genetic makeup of a rice variety. These varieties have diverse functions to lessen the effects of both biotic (e.g. pest and diseases) and abiotic (e.g. water) stresses (Tooker & […]

A mutation gene that may help rice plants survive despite adverse conditions has been identified by a balik scientist fellow hosted by DA-PhilRice. Dr. Nonawin Lucob-Agustin, together with other researchers from Nagoya University in Japan, discovered the wavy root elongation growth 1 (weg1) gene, which may help rice cope with drought especially in rainfed lowlands where water is scarce. The scientist explained that the gene was identified from mutants of […]

Darkness starts to engulf the remaining light of the day but the rustles have not slowed down a bit inside the Pinagbuklod na Adhika Multipurpose Cooperative (PNAMC) facility in Macarse, Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija. The last sack of palay was poured into the brown rice milling machine. Several women can be seen filling plastic bags labeled “Macarse Brown Rice”. In a transformed food system that is gender-responsive, opportunities are given to […]

The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) and Central Mindanao University (CMU) in Maramag, Bukidnon recently agreed to continue collaborating for better rice research for development (R4D) programs. Working together since 2001, the parties recently renewed their partnership on developing and promoting rice and rice-based technologies until 2033.  Under the new 13-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), DA-PhilRice and CMU will continue collaborating on producing high-quality rice seeds and implementing […]

Fifty RICs were launched in farm schools and organizations in Region 2 and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) during the first semester of the year. Under the Rice Development Initiatives for Cagayan Valley and CAR Environments project, over 1,000 copies of magazines, handouts, and booklets were delivered to beneficiaries. The handouts are expected to help trainees in farm schools increase their knowledge on modern technology and innovative farming methods.   Project beneficiaries […]

Addressing gender and development or GAD issues is at the center of DA-PhilRice’s policy in maintaining gender equality to achieve inclusive and sustainable development in rice, and the agriculture sector in general. On Aug.16 to Sep. 3, the blended Gender Sensitivity Training (GST) was held by the institute to teach its staff and help them understand the sensitivity of issues on sex and gender, gender gap, division of labor, manifestations […]