Gamu, Isabela – Cagayan Valley is  leading the technology demonstration for PSB Rc 86, a health-enhancing rice variety, which recorded yield ranging 5.5-6.4t/ha, as demonstrated during its first harvest here, July 24. PSB Rc 86, a variety developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) initially for saline conditions, has a glycemic index (GI) of 51.1, categorizing it as low-GI that is beneficial for managing diabetes. Philippine Statistics Authority data […]

The Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) recently urged rice farmers in Central Luzon and the Bicol Region to step up field surveillance as wet‑season weather is expected to fuel pest and disease outbreaks. A Bureau of Plant Industry report flags brown planthopper (BPH), bacterial leaf blight (BLB), rice blast, rice stemborer, and rodents as the top threats for the July‑to‑September quarter. “Cloudy, rainy days with temperatures of 25‑30 °C […]

A scientist from the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has been recognized by Central Luzon State University (CLSU) for groundbreaking work on “weedy rice,” a major but often overlooked threat to rice productivity. Edwin C. Martin, crop protection specialist at PhilRice, was named one of CLSU’s outstanding alumni during the university’s 61st College of Agriculture foundation day for leading the first comprehensive study on the biology, distribution, and potential uses of weedy […]

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is partnering with a state university in Negros Occidental to strengthen research and development of rice-based food products that could create new income streams for farmers and small food entrepreneurs. Through its Rice Chemistry and Food Science Division (RCFSD), PhilRice provides funding and technical support for food science and nutrition research while gathering local consumer data and market studies in the region. The collaboration […]

In time for the 2025 Nutrition Month celebration, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Negros Occidental has marked its first harvest of high-zinc rice through a ceremonial “Unang Ani” on July 3 at the station’s experimental fields. “With Nutrition Month putting the spotlight on healthy food, our high-zinc rice shows that the solution to hidden hunger can begin right at our dining table,” said Ommal H. Abdulkadil, PhilRice Negros […]

The Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) and the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) are gearing up for the nationwide rollout of the Rice Seed Information System (RSIS)—a digital platform that will transform how rice seeds are tracked, certified, stored, and distributed in the country. RSIS is designed to connect all registered seed growers, producers, certification bodies, and warehouses through a centralized platform, enabling real-time monitoring of seed production, […]

To strengthen rice clusters nationwide, a specialized training course has equipped implementers of the Rice Business Innovations System (RiceBIS) and regional agricultural staff with key skills in managing and supporting farmer cooperatives. Held on May 20–22 in partnership with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), the workshop aimed to boost the capacity of implementers to guide farmers’ cooperatives and associations toward long-term sustainability. “This training ensures our implementers are better informed […]

DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is urging farmers to intensify field monitoring as four major rice pests are expected to infest rice areas until the end of June. PhilRice urged farmers in Central Luzon, Western Visayas, the Cordillera Administrative Region, and the Bicol Region to closely monitor their fields for signs of rodents, rice stemborers, brown planthoppers, and rice bugs. If left unmanaged, these pests could lead to significant yield […]

The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program continues to provide support to rice farmers in Southern Leyte, providing access to certified inbred seeds, farm machinery, and training aimed at improving efficiency and productivity. In Brgy. Catmon, St. Bernard, farmer Catalino M. Lacerna, 58, said the assistance he received under the program helped reduce labor requirements during land preparation and planting. “The program introduced us to machines like the walk-behind […]

Filipinos will soon have access to significant dietary advantages in addressing the prevalence of zinc deficiency as the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has begun scaling up the production of two zinc-rich rice varieties. Intended to provide seeds for expanding production across the Visayas, PhilRice in Murcia, Negros Occidental, planted NSIC Rc 460 and NSIC Rc 648, which contain more zinc than the ordinary rice. Deficiency in micronutrients such as […]