To increase the accessibility of high-quality seeds in Mindanao, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) establishing a 50ha seed production area, June 24.  “Farmers’ competitiveness starts with high-quality inbred seeds. We have to double our efforts in producing high-quality seeds as demand for foundation, registered, and certified seeds will increase with the implementation of Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Program […]

While pharmaceutical drugs are taken in when common illnesses strike, indigenous knowledge in three provinces comprised traditional rice varieties (TVRs) as home remedies. In the “Ethnoguided Survey and Collection of Philippine Medicinal Traditional Rice Varieties,” 18 rice varieties were identified as medicinal in Palawan, North Cotabato, and Zamboanga del Norte. Across three sites, TRVs are used to treat fever, cough, measles, stomach ache, and diarrhea. Floper Gershwin Manuel, research lead, […]

In Region II, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in San Mateo, Isabela banks on radio to reach farmers in rural areas, which the station uses to relay updated agricultural information to increase farmers’ productivity and profitability. Based on a PhilRice study, radio is included in the farmers’ top three sources of agricultural information next to local government units and fellow farmers. For six years, PhilRice Isabela sustains its School-On-the-Air […]

Studies on ICT and satellite-based crop monitoring and typhoon-resistant farm structure were recognized in the 16th International Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Conference and Exhibition held in Negros Occidental, April 21-27. Out of 31 technical papers, “Operationalization of Philippine Rice Information System (PRISM): Revolutionizing Agriculture through ICT and Satellite-Based Crop Monitoring” emerged as the best paper. Judges noted the technologies’ contribution in providing reliable data for crop, pest, and damage monitoring. […]

Summer is one of the best times that we can fuel our children’s dreams. Do they want to be in the science, IT, and social field? A PhilRice visit may give them a kick-start in knowing more about their passion and what they want to achieve. Located at the Science City of Munoz in Nueva Ecija, PhilRice opens its FutureRice Farm, Rice Science Museum, and learning corners to locals and […]

A global trend is threatening food security.  Many of the young people are evidently leaving rural areas to pursue non-agricultural careers in urban districts. In the Philippines, a team from Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) finds a way to help engage the Filipino youth in agriculture. Dubbed as “Infomediary Campaign,” the campaign worked with the Department of Education (DepEd) to encourage the youth to explore the farming sector and to […]

In traditional farming, the carabao has to walk 60-80 km to plow a hectare. The patient beast faithfully does this for the rice to grow healthy as a well-prepared land helps in driving away pests and diseases. The interaction between the rice and the carabao is quite knitted that when in human forms, they could have easily poke each other – a playful gesture between friends. So it’s not a […]

Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – Superior rice varieties from the public breeding sector can be expected soon with the completion of a Genetic Resources Laboratory and Genebank housed at the Central Experiment Station of Philippine Rice Research Institute. Worth P23 million, the newly inaugurated facility houses more than 5000 Philippine traditional rice varieties and more than 16000 germplasm collections, which will provide the genes needed in breeding new […]

Rice plants applied with biofertilizers composed of four bacteria are healthier than those fertilized with other forms as shown in a recent study conducted by Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). Mac Michael Rubio, one of the researchers, said four strains of rhizobacteria were found to enhance rice growth. The strains were identified and selected using a molecular technique while soil samples were collected from major irrigated lowland rice fields in […]

Farmers with insufficient water supply are advised to adopt early-maturing varieties or with maturity days less than 110 this coming dry season. According to Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice)’s in-house agriculturist and Text Center lead agent Fredierick M. Saludez, early-maturing varieties require lesser water, as they can mature faster than other inbred varieties. “A rice crop that matures in 100 days will require approximately 1000mm of water while a crop […]