To provide an environment-friendly alternative to controlling weeds in rice fields, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has partnered with Japan-based NEWGREEN Inc. for the field testing of a solar-powered robot called Aigamorobo.  Under a Memorandum of Agreement, NEWGREEN Inc. will provide two robot units for testing at PhilRice’s Central Experiment Station in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, which will run from the incoming wet season to next year’s dry […]

The government has extended the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) up to 2031 under the amended Rice Tariffication Law (Republic Act No. 12078), ensuring that its benefits continue to reach farmers nationwide. This decision follows six years since 2019 of RCEF providing rice farmers access to high-quality seeds, modern machinery, affordable credit, and appropriate training programs.  Based on the latest figures from the Rice Seed Monitoring System (RSMS), the RCEF […]

The morning sun casts a warm glow over Brgy. Cataning, Balanga, Bataan, where farmers gather under a mango tree for the PalaySikatan Harvest Festival. Rows of chairs face a simple backdrop, and calm chatter fills the air as attendees, mostly senior citizens, settle into their seats. It’s 6:30 a.m., but they show no signs of impatience—only anticipation for what the day has to offer. Today feels different—something important is happening. […]