Farmers from the outskirts of San Marcelino, Zambales have reported significant gains in rice farming after becoming recipients of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program.  Cristito Ancheta, 44, said his yield doubled as a result of using the certified seeds he received from the program. “I was surprised that my harvest jumped from 3t/ha to 6t/ha. I sold half of it and earned a gross income of around […]

To further understand their situation and determine the specific needs of farmer cooperatives and associations (FCAs) for capacity development, assistance, and support, the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) program started conducting in June-July focused group discussions (FGD) with 120 identified FCAs nationwide. The results were assessed and validated by the DA-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PHilMech). Fifty Luzon-based FCAs have gone through the FGD led by DA-PhilRice, with […]