Maguindanao rice farmers were impressed by the efficiency and precision of the drone seeder introduced at a PalaySikatan site in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Aug. 20. “I was amazed! It’s beyond my expectation that it can broadcast seed over 1 hectare in just 15 minutes. It’s time-saving and reduces production costs for labor and seed,” said 32-year-old farmer Norly A. Odin. “We thought drones were only for military use. Now, my […]

DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute Batac, in collaboration with Mariano Marcos State University, planted its annual rice paddy art featuring Sen. Imee Marcos and her IMEEsolusyon program using NSIC Rc 222 and IR 1552 purple rice variety. The senator was featured for her commitment to agricultural innovation and community development. The intricate artwork not only showcases the beauty of rice farming but also highlights the potential of rice paddy art as […]

DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute Midsayap is set to conduct three batches of Rice Boot Camp (RBC) training to enhance the rice production expertise of recent agriculture graduates in Region 9. This three-day immersive training aims to identify potential researchers and development workers who can drive agricultural advancement.  Participants will engage in discussions on the latest updates in Rice Science and Technology, focusing on the PalayCheck System and Palayamanan Plus principles. […]

Local government units (LGUs) in Ilocos Sur and La Union are reinforcing their support for the Minus-One Element Technique (MOET)-based fertilizer recommendations to help rice farmers achieve higher yields while reducing production costs. By using fertilizers tailored to soil texture and nutrient deficiencies, farmers can optimize their resources effectively. Santa and Tagudin in Ilocos Sur, along with Sto. Tomas in La Union, have passed resolutions endorsing these fertilizer guidelines.  Cabugao, […]

Rice farmers in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental are enhancing their productivity and efficiency with advanced agricultural technologies provided by the local government under the PalaySikatan 2.0 Technology Demonstration Ceremonial Crop Establishment, part of the Rice Comprehensive Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program. The program introduced drone-seeders, walk-behind transplanters, riding-type transplanters, and drum seeders, which can reduce operational costs, save time, and increase productivity compared with traditional farming methods. These technologies are […]

The Sangguniang Bayan of Santa, Ilocos Sur approved a resolution for the adoption of the Minus-One-Element Technique (MOET)-generated fertilizer recommendations on June 26, which was passed by the Committee on Agriculture. According to Hon. Eugene B. Borje, the resolution will guide the local government unit of Santa, especially the municipal agriculture office in identifying initiatives and activities to promote the MOET-generated fertilizer recommendations to their rice farmers.  “The recommendations will […]

The RCEF Seed Program’s PalaySikatan 2.0 project has boosted mechanized rice planting this wet season, showcasing riding-type and walk-behind transplanters. Michael Johnson P. Mabalo of the San Quintin Integrated Farmers Association (SQIFA) noted that initial resistance from older farmers decrease after seeing the demonstrations, leading to increased adoption. Similarly, Elmer B. Vidad of the Bangar Irrigators Farmers Association (BIFA) reported successful member adoption following the demonstrations. SQIFA farmer-adopters rose from […]

The DA-Crop Biotechnology Center (DA-CBC) and DA-PhilRice participated in the 46th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) of the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), July 10-11. The event gravitated on the theme, “Beyond Farm Productivity: Transforming the Philippine Food System to Address Equity, Consumer Health, and Environmental Issues.” It showcased a range of Research for Development thrusts, emerging and ongoing projects from different government agencies and state universities […]

PhilRice Midsayap, Negros, and Agusan renewed their commitment to excellence, an institutional value that has been at the center of their operations, during their 36th, 21st, and 34th anniversaries, respectively. With the theme, “36 years of committed R4DE service for better rice community,” PhilRice Midsayap loaded  their celebration with a series of activities to highlight stakeholders’ contributions to the station’s initiatives and operations, July 12. In 2023, the station delivered […]

Following the presentation of guidelines, the “Scaling of Palayamanan Technologies” project is now in its initial phase, with PhilRice Bicol, in collaboration with the DA – Regional Field Office V (DA-RFO V), beginning to validate potential sites, identify suitable locations and ensure that they meet the necessary criteria for the successful establishment of six pilot sites across the Bicol region. Palayamanan, as part of the Scaling of Rice Technologies under […]