DA-PhilRice Isabela, in collaboration with the Asian Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (AFACI) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), has fulfilled the second component of the project on selection and dissemination of elite salt-tolerant rice varieties to AFACI member-countries.
On June 3, a technical briefing and seed distribution of salt-tolerant rice varieties was conducted in Buguey and Sta. Teresita in Cagayan. A total of 125 bags certified seeds of NSIC Rc 534, 604, and 330 were distributed to 87 farmer-beneficiaries from saline areas of the two municipalities. These varieties were selected for their adaptability to salt-affected areas. NSIC Rc 604 or Salinas 34, which is the latest variety, has a maturity of 104 DAS and has a maximum yield of 5.1t/ha. Dr. Andres L. Dela Cruz, project lead, emphasized that the varieties provided are for fields that are intruded by saltwater. The project is intended for them to increase their yields and avoid severe losses due to salinity.
Salinity limits yield because high salt concentration stunts crop growth. The average yield in such areas if affected during the tillering to flowering stages is only 1.5-2.5t/ha; no yield when the salt level is too high. Thus, adoption of salt-tolerant rice is crucial to maintain sustainability of rice production in coastal areas. Avelio U. Pascua from Buguey lavishly thanked the project implementers.
