Kalinga hybrid rice seed growers are now more equipped on hybrid rice production and certification thru a refresher course conducted in support of the intensification of seed production and use of hybrid rice. The Department of Agriculture (DA)-Agricultural Training Institute in CAR conducted this refresher course among 24 hybrid rice seed growers from April 26-30, 2021 in Tabuk City.  Together with DA-Regional Field Office CAR and the Bureau of Plant […]

No delay is too late. Despite delivery interruptions caused by restricted movements, Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) in Albay had served more than 106,000 farmers in Region V and Region VIII. Through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Seed Program, almost 300 bags of certified inbred rice seeds were turned over to more than 160 municipalities. The local government units and partner-agencies facilitated transportation across borders and […]

New learning. More than 62 farmers in Tabaco City, Albay learn about environment-friendly way of managing pests through agro-ecosytem analysis.  Participating in the Farmers Field School of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund- Rice Extension Services Program, they now know how to analyze field situations considering pests, soil conditions, plant health, and the inter-relationship of factors for growing healthy crop.

Mechanization on its way. Farmers from Regions 10, 11, and 13 try for the first time a mechanical transplanter in a technology demonstration called PalaySikatan. With allocation from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, the techno demo showcases modern and recommended technologies in rice farming. It also features three national recommended varieties, two regional recommended varieties, and one location-specific technology.

Knowledge movers. PhilRice Los Baños hands over copies of PalayCheck primer to rice growers currently participating in the farm schools located in the station’s area of coverage. PalayCheck is an integrated rice crop management system that helps farmers increase their yield and reduce their rice production cost.

Field canvas. DA-PhilRice in Batac City, Ilocos Norte promotes deeper understanding of rice farming through rice paddy art displayed at Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU). It featured the image of Dr. Santiago R. Obien, former MMSU president and first PhilRice executive director, in the 4,000 m2 demonstration area.  The rice paddy art used IR 1552, a traditional purple rice variety from Korea, and PSB Rc82, a traditional high-yielding inbred variety […]

Philippine Rice Research Institute of the Department of Agriculture (DA-PhilRice) in Los Baños turns over 1,420 free seedlings to the Gawad Kalinga Los Baños Ville residents, May 27. As part of DA’s “Plant, Plant, Plant” program, the seedlings were provided to help ensure food sufficiency during emergency situations amid COVID-19. Recipients are expected to plant the seedlings in their yard as a sustainable source of food under the society’s new […]

More than 1,200 farmer-beneficiaries of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF-Seed Program) in Mangatarem, Pangasinan receive certified inbred rice seeds within two days despite risk brought about by COVID-19. The high-quality seeds were distributed simultaneously in 60 barangays without drawing big numbers of farmers.  Farmers wore face mask and practiced physical distancing while waiting for their seed allocation.  As of May 25, PhilRice Batac in collaboration with its LGU partners, […]

About 500 farmers from Alamada and Banisilan, Cotabato completed the Farmers’ Field School on dinorado rice production, clustering approach, and rice-based agro-enterprise, Aug. 20. A training under Cotabato Special Rice Project, the initiative encourages farmers to market their own produce through rice-based agro-enterprise. Cotabato Dinorado Agriculture Cooperative was also launched as first of the three cooperatives founded by farmers through the project. Funded by the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research, the […]

With the theme, “Paving our way to 30,” PhilRice Agusan celebrated its 29th anniversary, Aug. 8, through thanksgiving ceremony and seminar on HIV, schistosomiasis, and mental health conducted by the Department of Health in Caraga. Outstanding employees were also recognized.