PhilRice is showcasing the performance of certified inbred seeds through the mechanized technology demonstration of nationally and regionally recommended rice varieties established nationwide.
Dubbed as PalaySikatan, forty sites with 6-ha contiguous area each, have thus far been selected to promote the mechanized production of the select varieties.
To be managed by seven PhilRice branch stations and the Central Experiment Station, TechnoDemo sites are located in 39 provinces with 41 sites.
Three national varieties – NSIC Rc 222, Rc 216, and Rc 160 – will be promoted among farm communities. Two regional varieties, one location-specific technology, and newly released inbreds will also be featured for farmers and traders.
PhilRice will provide P30,000/ha for one cropping season to farmer-cooperators. This will cover inputs including seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and labor expenses for land preparation and transplanting, pulling of seeds, crop care and maintenance, harvesting, and other farm activities.
TechnoDemo is under the RCEF-Seed Program, which is after helping the small-scale Filipino farmers to breeze through the new rice trade system. •
