To enhance the competitiveness of rice farmers, the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) in Ilocos Norte and the local government unit of Piddig tied up in promoting high-yielding varieties and cost-reducing technologies through a Farmer Field School (FFS). The FFS showcased a nationally recommended high-yielding inbred variety, NSIC Rc 160, and newly-released varieties NSIC Rc 508 and Rc 512, which yield from 5.6 to 10.8t/ha.   Cost-reducing technologies for […]

Agricultural extension workers and farm school trainers from Northern Mindanao vowed to share the new knowledge they gained from  the training of trainers on pest and nutrient management in rice in Lala, Lanao del Norte, Nov. 14-18. Vaniza B. Cambonga, Farmer Field School (FFS) trainer said that  aside from the technical aspects of pest and nutrient management, the training helped her in effectively teaching the rice farmers. “Farmers already have […]

Students from the Philippine Science High School (Pisay)–Bicol Region Campus were encouraged to become #BeRICEponsible advocates during their visit to DA-PhilRice Bicol, Nov. 17. They were urged not to waste a single grain of rice and appreciate rice farmers by means of thanking and valuing the food they provide to Filipinos. “I promised to become more RICEponsible in consuming rice as it is not easy to grow it,” said Leira […]

“We’re not here because it’s an easy life. We’re here to make lives easy.” This is the essence of serving the Filipino rice farmers, according to Dr. Santiago R. Obien, now 87, first DA-PhilRice director. A crux deeply ingrained that no insurgencies, vandalized fields, travel ordeals, and limited resources can interrupt.  Conflict passers-by Reaching the marginalized farmers entails faith without neglecting self preservation. Datu Ali “Alex” Sumlay of DA-PhilRice Midsayap, […]

Philippine Rice Research Institute of the Department of Agriculture (DA-PhilRice) pushes recommendations for farmers to benefit from a water-saving technology called Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD). In the recent “Rice Science for Decision-Makers” issue titled “Policy imperatives to increase uptake of the Alternative Wetting and Drying (AWD) technology,” authors noted the need to revisit sections of the Free Irrigation Act.  “While the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) technology has been […]

The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) continues to explore digital solutions to improve  certified seed distribution under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program.  Recently, the institute through its RCEF unit at DA-PhilRice Midsayap pilot-scaled its pre-registration initiative in Brgy. New Iloilo, Tantangan, South Cotabato. Verified farmer-beneficiaries registered and submitted their farming-related profile via the RCEF Seed Program website days prior to distribution. They can […]

The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have collaborated to help rice farmers reduce production cost through direct-seeding. Direct seeding is a crop establishment method where rice seeds are dispersed directly onto land surface.  Studies show through this method, farmers can save up to PhP1.14 on labor cost for every kilogram of rice produced, saves 30% less water, and 23 labor days for […]

New crop specialists. Knowledge of 30 farmers in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte was enhanced after attending a course on pest and nutrient management in rice, Nov 7-11 . They learned about the use of attractants and the agro-ecosystem analysis or a way of understanding the interactions of the different factors in the field, which are directly and indirectly affecting the growth and development of the crop. The training is […]

Before the sun gets warmer energizing the earth, a throng of field workers in bicycles or motorcycles is already in the wide experimental farms of DA-PhilRice at 7 a.m. In the late afternoon, while the king of day scatters the amber, many researchers are still in the offices at 5 p.m., stretching the day a bit, not leaving unfinished work for tomorrow.  This is not an embracing of time that […]

Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairperson Atty. Karlo Alexei B. Nograles has recognized the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) in “shaping the lives of the people and building up a better nation” during the institute’s anniversary celebration, Nov. 4.  The former cabinet secretary hailed the accomplishments of  Dangal ng Bayan regional winner Jose A. Orcino for his “untiring service and commitment” in improving the seed production performance by overseeing […]