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 […]

To enhance the competitiveness of rice farmers and the rice industry in Caraga, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Agusan branch station showcased rice farming technologies suitable for the region. During the station’s Lakbay Palay, Agusan featured location specific and high-yielding varieties such as NSIC Rc 222, Rc 300, Rc 216, and Rc 160 to 495 farmers and stakeholders. These varieties can yield 5.6 to 11t/ha. Yield-enhancing nutrient and water management technologies were also […]

The restlessly rising fuel prices will hit the few farmers who are dependent on pumps for irrigation. They will breathe deeply, exhale slowly, and scratch their heads. They will probably forget the name of their patron saints for a while. The alternate wetting and drying (AWD) technology could help them lighten this burden. Saving on water AWD is a water-saving technology that rice farmers could adopt to reduce their use […]

Researches on identifying germplasm with good traits and breeding hybrids through biotech won in the recent 2nd International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research in Higher Education in Zamboanga City. Collective Efforts and Interdisciplinary Approach to Rice (Oryzasativa L.) Conservation and Use in the Philippines was adjudged best abstract and best paper among 10 entries. Xavier Greg I. Caguiat, lead researcher based at Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), said that the study […]

Farmers’ group in Negros Occidental trained by Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) are now selling their own-produced brown rice in The District-Ayala Mall in Talisay City. “We are happy that our local farmers now bring their goods in this type of market place. Linking their products with the supermarkets and other business development providers is one of the objectives of the Rice Business Innovation System (RiceBIS) Program,” said Anileen O. […]

To increase youth engagement in agriculture, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Midsayap boosts its partnership with the academe sector in Soccsksargen. In a recent Lakbay Palay with the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in Kabacan and Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU), a forum was conducted to 11 public schools in Cotabato and Sarangani. USM main campus in Kabacan, North Cotabato posted an average of 29% decline on BS Agriculture […]

Farmers across the country had benefited from the decades-long cooperation project between Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). Through the partnership among Japanese and Filipino experts, extensionists, farmers, and local government units, cold-tolerant rice varieties, labor-saving machines, and rice and rice-based technologies were developed and improved. Working together From 1992 to 2010, JICA dispatched 70 experts led by Drs. Hitoshi Takahashi, Norio Nakaya, Moriyuki Shigyo, and […]

Good harvest under drought condition is now possible with the development of five breeding lines that can thrive well even with less water in rainfed areas. Bred by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), the drought-screened (DrS) lines include DrS 1062, DrS 1085, DrS 1061, DrS 1042, and DrS 1057. The lines, which are identified under moderate to severe drought conditions, were developed from NSIC Rc 9 (Apo). “NSIC Rc […]

Farmers in a first-class municipality in Albay are learning more about rice production through a recently launched public information kiosk. Called PalayTambayan, the facility is housed at the Hibiga Irrigators Association (HRISIA) office in Polangui, and was set up by Philippine Rice Research (PhilRice) in Batang Ligao, Albay. Melanie de Peralta, PhilRice Bicol Research and Development Coordinator, said that farmers, who have limited time in visiting the PhilRice station can access latest […]