The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) has released a list of available drought-tolerant varieties to help the farmers prepare for the onslaught of El Niño. The said list contains the names of drought-tolerant varieties and where they can be bought. The list is available for download by clicking this link. Interested parties can also contact the PhilRice Text Center (0920-911-1398) should […]

To help small-scale farmers cope with extreme impacts of El Niño, researchers from PhilRice are developing a cheaper alternative to drip irrigation system.  Drip irrigation system is a method that involves water delivery through a pipe distribution network consisting of a main pipe, sub main, manifold and lateral pipes. The water is emitted through small outlets of drippers or emitters into the soil to be irrigated. However, the system is […]

To strengthen the promotion of technologies in rice production, PhilRice Isabela conducted a training on resource-use efficient technologies in Malasin, San Mateo, Isabela, 17 Sept.  “We invited our farmer-cooperators and focal persons of the Accelerating the Development and Dissemination of Associated Technologies on Rice Production that are Resource Use Efficient project to further enhance their capacity as technology adopters,” said Helen R. Pasicolan, PhilRice Isabela research and development coordinator. Senior […]

Researchers from PhilRice recommended using biomass on rice fields to maintain soil productivity.  Jehru Magahud, lead researcher, identified the factors that affect soil properties and significance of biomass and biochar in restoring the lost nutrients brought by farm management practices. Magahud said that continuous high-yield cropping affects soil pH (measure of alkalinity or acidity). Amounts of soil nutrients are removed during the crop uptake. “Modern irrigated rice varieties remove 17.0 kg […]

There is strength in unity. Rice scientists and experts encouraged R&D institutions to foster stronger partnerships as the country prepares to address the effects of trade liberalization and climate change. During the 28th National Rice R&D Conference at PhilRice, 9 Sept, experts discussed on industry trends to address current issues and emerging problems besetting rice R&D. Dr. Madonna Casimero of IRRI stressed that there is a need to rethink and step-up R&D […]

PhilRice researchers have identified two climate change-resilient varieties suitable for irrigated lowlands in the Visayas and Mindanao.  Thelma Padolina, lead researcher, identified NSIC Rc308 (Tubigan 26) and NSIC Rc358 (Tubigan 30) as climate change-resilient varieties with superior performance in irrigated lowland ecosystems. Padolina said that varieties with superior location-specific performance and improved resistance to lodging and biotic stresses must be bred and recommended to help the farmers adapt to climate […]

The agriculture sector needs policy reforms in order to be resilient, a prominent climate change expert said.  During the opening of the 28th National Rice Research and Development Conference at PhilRice, 9 Sept, Dennis Dela Torre of the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) and House of Representatives Special Committee on Climate Change, said that there are many challenges that hinder the agriculture sector to become a […]

Researchers from the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) produced over 40 research papers published by major science journals in 2014, 74% higher than the total publications in 2010.   In the past 4 years, the Institute has continued to increase the number of refereed scientific papers published in  the Thomson Reuters/ Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) Web of Science-listed journals.  Of 40 published, 24 came out in ISI journals. From […]

Agriculturists can soon analyse  soil properties through their mobile phones.  Information Technology students from the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) developed “SoilMate,” a mobile application that can show soil properties, color groups, and productivity. The app has a Geographic Positioning System or GPS feature that can locate the origin of the soil. Starting off within the provinces in Central Luzon, it is expected to guide agriculturists, farmers and researchers to identify […]

New breed of AgRiDOCs or Agricultural Development Officers of the Community are receiving guidance from distinguished scientists, institution builders, and multi-awarded agricultural extension officers in a four-month course titled, Enabling the AgRiDOC: A New Breed of Rice Extensionists.  Through informal conversations aiming to inspire and help trainees deepen their sense of mission, the course aims to strengthen rice extension in the country. Agriculture champions shared their insights on leadership, building […]