Farmers in Isabela, one of the country’s top rice producer, are reaping the benefits of practicing direct seeding, a crop establishment method, in which pre-germinated seeds are sown directly onto the soil surface. Helen Pasicolan, lead of the direct-seeded rice technology promotion at Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in San Mateo, Isabela said that farmers in their demonstration sites gained high yield and reduced their production cost through direct-seeding using […]

More than a thousand farmers under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) from Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union updated their knowledge on rice at the recent Lakbay Palay conducted at Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). “As farmers, we are one of the most important workers in the society because rice is a Filipino staple food. Let us be [riceponsableng farmers by adopting new technologies]. Let us inspire one […]

Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – Rodrigo “Jiggy” Manicad Jr. encouraged public agencies in Central Luzon to help farmers engage in marketing and be entrepreneurs in a recent gathering of farmers, students, and agriculture workers. In an activity called Rice Fiesta conducted at Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Manicad emphasized that farmer’s entrepreneurial skill has to be improved for them to improve their income and stay in farming. “The […]

Varietal Mixture (VarMix) is viewed to be a possible solution to the vulnerability of single variety to diseases, especially under stress-prone areas. The study To Mix or Not to Mix: Compatibility of Selected Rice Varieties to Increase Yield Stability under Stress-Prone Areas of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) showed that the mixture of selected released varieties has the mechanism to increase and stabilize yield, manage pests and diseases, and […]

Crude bioethanol distiller that is powered by rice husk was acclaimed grand prize winner during the recent Alfredo M. Yao Intellectual Property Awards (AMY IP Awards) held at the Manila Hotel. Invented by engineers at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), the machine uses rice husk as alternative fuel to produce crude bioethanol (lambanog or vodka) from fermented feedstock. Engr. Alexis Belonio, PhilRice senior research fellow and main inventor, said […]

To enhance the competitiveness of rice farmers and the rice industry in Caraga, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Agusan branch station showcased rice farming technologies suitable for the region. During the station’s Lakbay Palay, Agusan featured location specific and high-yielding varieties such as NSIC Rc 222, Rc 300, Rc 216, and Rc 160 to 495 farmers and stakeholders. These varieties can yield 5.6 to 11t/ha. Yield-enhancing nutrient and water management technologies were also […]

Farmers from different provinces in the country differ in terms of the quantities of inputs used, technologies adopted, and management skills employed. This results in the varying yield and production cost among farmers. To address this, economists from the Socioeconomics Division of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) shared ways on how to narrow these gaps to help farmers increase their productivity and income based on the findings from 33 […]

The Philippine Rice Research Institute advances its research and development operations in Agusan and Batac through recently completed new facilities. Abner T. Montecalvo, PhilRice Deputy Executive Director for Administrative Services and Finance, said the facilities are expected to enhance the station’s capacity in producing high quality seeds for the farmers and seed growers. “The new facilities will strengthen research functions of the branch stations, and ultimately address rice production concerns […]

Rice has always been a major food staple in the Philippines. Both producers and consumers consider a slight change in rice price as their major concern. In light of the emerging issues in rice price, agriculture workers from different regions in the country gathered together in a seminar-workshop to understand the rice value chain, and craft localized agriculture interventions and strategies for their respective regions. Participants crafted strategies that will […]

Researches on identifying germplasm with good traits and breeding hybrids through biotech won in the recent 2nd International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research in Higher Education in Zamboanga City. Collective Efforts and Interdisciplinary Approach to Rice (Oryzasativa L.) Conservation and Use in the Philippines was adjudged best abstract and best paper among 10 entries. Xavier Greg I. Caguiat, lead researcher based at Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), said that the study […]