Students from Isabela State University (ISU) Echague Campus learned the application of information and communications technology-based resources in agriculture, 17 March. The knowledge sharing and learning (KSL) activity titled Why AgRiCOOLture? held in PhilRice Isabela aims to increase awareness of future agriculturists on ICT platforms they can use and share to their farmer-parents and relatives. Over 200 agriculture students participated to try the Pinoy Rice Knowledge Bank (PRKB), MOET app […]

PhilRice has launched a rice paddy art at its central experiment station in Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija to encourage the youth and ‘millennials’ to venture in rice farming, March 15. The rice paddy art, also popular in Japan and other rice-producing countries, shows the faces of celebrity loveteam Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza known as ‘Aldub’ made of purple rice, a traditional variety, and NSIC Rc360, an inbred […]

A PhilRice study is developing breeding lines that can produce high yielding drought-tolerant rice varieties based on root traits to improve upland rice production. Rainfed upland areas can poorly accumulate water because of uneven slope location, absence of bunds, and lower water- holding capacity of the soil. “The plan is to let the rice plant have the ability to avoid dehydration, basically, to access whatever water source there is through […]

A PhilRice videographer recently won in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) international video competition themed Advancing Asia: Investing for the future. Jayson C. Berto, a videographer and writer from the Institute’s Development Communication Division, won in the Asia-wide contest by the IMF. Berto’s entry was about PhilRice’s Infomediary Campaign site in Davao Oriental. He documented how the training of a school teacher resulted in quite a number of impressive results. […]

With the onslaught of El Niño and the summer season fast approaching, an expert advises farmers to take necessary precautions against heat stroke. Dr. Raul V. Destura, an internal medicine and infectious disease specialist, says that heat stroke is one of the most common health risks among farmers who work under the scorching heat of the sun. According to Destura, heat stroke, also known as sun stroke, is a severe […]

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Midsayap, North Cotabato has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Midsayap-Dilangalen National High School (MDNHS) to promote agriculture to senior high school students, 8 February. Effective this year, senior high school students of MDNHS will undergo an immersion-training program under the crop production curriculum. PhilRice Midsayap will provide technical assistance through lectures and hands-on activities on crop production. “We want the students […]

Researchers at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) found that a certain bacteria enhances growth, root development, and grain yield of upland rice varieties. The study, Exploring the potential of plant growth promoting actinomycetes to enhance upland rice production, led by Jayvee A. Cruz evaluated the effectiveness of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) in enhancing the growth and yield of upland rice. PGPB is recognized in agriculture in reducing the use […]

A Japanese Professor from Tohoku University recommended the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool to rice researchers in helping farmers cope with climate change. LCA, according to Professor Masanori Sato, is a technique that enables industries to identify the resource flows (water and energy inputs), and environmental impacts (GHG emissions) associated with the provision of products and services. Researchers and decision makers will find LCA useful in giving concrete recommendations to […]

Patin-Ay, Agusan del Sur – Farmers in Agusan del Sur are now equipped with knowledge on how to cope with the impacts of climate change after  graduating  from a  4-month School On the Air (SOA) training program conducted by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). Titled “Giya sa Responsableng Pagpanguma” or Guide in Responsible Farming, PhilRice Agusan assisted 250 rice farmers, agriculture students and faculty of Agusan del Sur State […]

Eight of the best suman makers in Aurora competed during the Farmers’ Day, in what was to be their first official attempt at using unpolished or “brown” rice in creating the best tasting suman, 15 February. “Every year, the local government holds a Pinaka Contest. This 2016, we are holding the Pinakamasarap na Brown Rice Suman as suman is one of the most sought-after delicacy  that visitors and tourists buy […]