Potential of bacteria and fungi in decontaminating rice ecosystems with mine tailings was observed in the latest study conducted by the Central Luzon State University (CLSU).   According to Perfecto S. Ramos Jr, study lead, results unlocked the possibility that contaminants, pollutants, and toxins in rice fields near mining sites can still be removed through the use of helpful bacteria and fungi or in a process called bioremediation. Results showed nine microorganisms […]

Farmers under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program were impressed with the crop stand of rice varieties and efficiency of a rice machine showcased in Brgy. Balza, Malinao, Albay. “Varieties shown in the techno demo have more tillers and grains, which hint high harvest,” a farmer included in the 50 field visitors said. Called Palay Sikatan, the 6-ha techno demo field showcased NSIC Rc 222, Rc 216, Rc 160, […]

Farmers in Murcia, Negros Occidental started to update their knowledge on rice farming with the recent launching of PalayAralan, an informal learning series, in Brgy. Damsite. Conducted by Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), 26 farmers under the RiceBIS Agrarian Reform Cooperative learned about managing pests and diseases. According to Jose Arnel Cordova, science research specialist, rice production in the area is quite low due to bacterial leaf blight […]

Eight hybrid rice varieties from public and private companies were shown to the public in a three-day farm walk at the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) in San Mateo, Isabela, March 9-11. Two of the hybrids showcased were the public hybrid Mestizo 1 (M1) and Mestiso 20 (M20). With 123-day maturity, M1 averages 5.4t/ha and can yield 9.9t/ha. Meanwhile, M20 matures in 111 days, averages 6.4t/ha yield, and reaches […]

As the country achieves its all-time high rice production of 19.3M MT in 2020, the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) reported that it has already achieved 100% seed deliveries for the dry season and has reached agri workers and farmers amidst limitations on face-to-face activities. In the recent annual review of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) programs on Seed and Rice Extension Services (RESP), Sen. Cynthia Villar, […]

The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) is set to develop a rice data warehouse that will be accessible to the public, especially the decision and policy making bodies at different government levels for decision and policy formulation. Nehemiah L. Caballong, project proponent, said that the PhilRice Data Analytics Initiative Project (RiceLytics) aims to enhance baselining and forecasting of status of rice farmers and the rice industry in the […]

Addressing the need for high-quality seeds in remote areas, the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP) has started training farmers in Region 2 and CAR since January. The training, which covers inbred rice seed multiplication and purification, is being conducted to rice growers in Manabo and La Paz in Abra and in the coastal area of Dinapigue, Isabela. “One of our problems in farming is the high cost […]

A farm owner in Guimba, Nueva Ecija gains additional income from establishing a farm school accredited under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP). Myriad Farms owner Viola Fern Sebastian, together with her partner Frianina V. Resplandor, said they have been earning a net income of P100,000 per batch of training after their farm school was accredited by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). “Our farm school […]

Department of Agriculture programs have supported the all-time high rice production of 19.3M MT in 2020 through certified inbred seeds, hybrid rice seeds, and fertilizers.  Analysis released by DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) showed that the sustained government interventions through Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), National Rice Program (NRP), and Rice Resiliency Project (RRP) contributed to the growth in production.  The Philippine Statistics Authority recently released that rice production increased […]

Over 200,000 farmers received certified inbred rice seeds from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program just in time for the scheduled planting in Region 2 and in the Cordillera Autonomous Region. More than 100% of the seed delivery targets were achieved through the partnership among the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice); provincial, municipal, and city local government units (LGUs); lawmakers; DA regional offices; and seed cooperatives. […]