The provincial local government unit of Tarlac expressed their satisfaction with the implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Seed Program for three consecutive seasons. During the recent briefing on the Department of Agriculture (DA) integrated rice programs conducted in the province, Dr. Alicia Cruz, provincial agriculturist said the program has significantly contributed to the increased yield and improved access to certified inbred seeds of rice farmers in Tarlac, from […]

Few months after a techno demo, adoption of two-wheeled lightweight machine for direct seeding known as plastic drumseeder had increased to 200% in Libungan, Cotabato. From seven rice farmers who participated in a 2020 wet season techno demo, 21 farmers have established their crops using plastic drumseeder this 2021 dry season. The machine was developed and promoted by the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice). Victorino Dumanig, […]

Farmer association in Naguilian, La Union, reported an increase in their harvest and decrease in rice production cost through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Program. Gregorio Ramos Jr, president of the Naguilian Irrigators Service Association Inc., said their association had received farm machineries while 210 of their members were recipients of certified inbred seeds from RCEF. “By using certified inbred rice seeds and farm machines, our harvest increased by 2t/ha, and some of […]

Quezon farmers are optimistic that rice yield in their province would increase with the series of training currently conducted by the Departmentof Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research (DA-PhilRice) branch station in Los Baños starting first quarter. Dr. Michelle C. Quimbo, Rice Technology and Innovations Promotion (RiceTIP) project leader, said DA-PhilRice in Los Baños will conduct seven batches of training on PalayCheck or integrated rice production and nutrient decision support tools in Quezon. The province, […]

The National Rice Technology Forum’s (NRTF) hybrid rice demonstration site in Cauayan, Isabela is estimated to hit the highest yield this quarter. In a report by Dr. Santiago R. Obien, Department of Agriculture’s (DA) senior technical adviser, he presented crop cut yield data showing that eight of the hybrid rice varieties in the NRTF demonstration site will hit the highest yield of 15.6t/ha (dry weight) this harvest season. “Crop cutting […]

Jehanel V. Soriano, 24, has set her heart out in agriculture. She is an agricultural enterprise entrepreneur, farmer, and farm school owner. Born and raised in llagan, City, Jehanel started as an enumerator in her alma mater, the Central Luzon State University in Nueva Ecija for five years, and as a market inspector of DA-Cagayan Valley Research Center in Isabela for a year. An agricultural business management graduate, she eventually […]

Information and educational materials on rice production will be released soon to the rice stakeholders in Region XII and nearby regions as a result of the signed memorandum of agreement between the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) in Midsayap and the National Irrigation Administration XII. Based on the agreement, the two agencies will package and disseminate a rice farmers’ practice called Panggas in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, and farmers’ experiences […]

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 […]