Well leveling of rice fields reduces farm damages caused by inefficient water flow and uneven distribution of fertilizer according to an expert from the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice). “A farmer could be targeting 100 sacks per hectare but if his/her field is poorly prepared, we expect a yield loss of 5 sacks per hectare or 5%,” Elmer Bautista of PhilRice Rice Engineering and Mechanization Division said in […]

As farmers prepare for dry season, the Rice Productivity Advocacy Incorporated (Rice Board) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) promoted the local public hybrid to rice tillers. In a recent webinar, Rice Board Pres. Recher Ondap said the activity aimed to transfer technologies that could increase yield and lower production cost on rice production, which include cultivating Mestizo 1 and Mestiso 20. Studies show that […]

Farmer-cooperators in Brgy. Lagui-sail, Laoag City harvested 6t/ha from the usual 4 t/ha this wet season by adopting the recommended inbred rice varieties and farm machines. Demonstrated in PalaySikatan – a demonstration area showcasing technologies promoted by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Seed Program, national and regional recommended varieties including NSIC Rc 222, Rc 216, and Rc 160 showed good performance. City Agriculturist Marilyn G. Martin said that farmers were impressed […]

Batac City, Ilocos Norte – Participants here of the first batch of Training of Trainers under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP) are now equipped to help enhance farmers’ competitiveness. Sonia V. Pojas, RCEF training coordinator in the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), said that trainees showed dedication and commitment during the course, which was completed last week of November.      The 15 participants who underwent two […]

Specialist-graduates of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP) will train farmers on modern rice farming in Agusan del Norte come next year. Trained on PalayCheck – an integrated rice production system, agriculturists in the local government of Cabadbaran City said that they will conduct series of training to irrigation system members and farmers through Farmer Field School. The rice specialists were also trained on operating farm machines […]

Recent graduates of the Rice Specialists’ Training Course (RSTC) under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP) were urged to continue living by the mission to help the Filipino rice farmers. Karen Eloisa Barroga, deputy executive director of Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), said PhilRice training courses were enhanced with a module that ignites the sense of passion to help Filipino rice farmers among its trainees. […]

Three advocacy groups were selected as recipients during the Institute’s December activities.  “As the world fights this pandemic, it is only just to share more of our blessings to groups who are trying to make a difference in these challenging times,” Dr. John C. de Leon, DA-PhilRice Executive Director, said.  Proceeds from the activities were given to Talikala Inc. (talikala – Cebuano word for chain), a human rights group against […]

To help farmers, especially in the aftermath of three strong typhoons that struck major rice-producing provinces in the country, the Department of Agriculture (DA) urges local government units (LGUs) to heighten support for the rice growers. “We believe LGU executives are in the best position to assess the needs of our rice farmers,” DA Sec. William D. Dar said in a statement delivered by his representative Undersecretary Ariel Cayanan in […]

Farmer-partners in the technology demonstrations under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Seed Program promote the use of farm machines to minimize rice production costs. Following farm recommendations in the demo sites dubbed as Palay Sikatan, farmers Eduardo Cabago and Jonathan de Guia shared the benefits of using machines on crop establishment. The said farmers, who offered their farms in Mabitac, Laguna to showcase farm machines and recommended rice varieties, said […]

As farmers recover from the onslaught of recent typhoons, researchers from the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) urge rice farmers to plant high-quality inbred seeds of a recommended variety as this helps increase yield by 10-15%. Fredierick Saludez, DA-PhilRice agriculturist said that the use of high-quality inbred seeds results in high germination rate, lower seeding rate, more vigorous seedlings, and more efficient crop establishment. “Crops from high-quality seeds […]