To boost popularity of public hybrid varieties in Tarlac and neighboring provinces, public hybrid rice varieties that can yield from 5.4t/ha to 11.7t/ha were reintroduced to Tarlac farmers in a 5-hectare technology demonstration farm established at Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU).

In a recent virtual field day live streamed via Rice Productivity Advocacy Inc. (Rice Board) Facebook page, Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) showcased Mestizo 1 (M1), which yields up to 9.9t/ha, and Mestiso 20 (M20) with maximum yield of 11.7t/ha.

Dr. Fidel Ramos, hybrid rice commercialization project lead of DA-PhilRice, said that part of the Institute’s plan is to attract more Luzon seed growers to produce public hybrid rice for farmers to attain competitive yield at a lower production cost. Public hybrid seeds are cheaper than other hybrid rice varieties and given free by DA regional offices.

Demonstration trials showed that M1 and M20 can withstand both dry and wet season. The varieties are also moderately resistant to yellow stem borer, green leafhopper, and brown plant hopper.

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Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is a government corporate entity attached to the Department of Agriculture created through Executive Order 1061 on 5 November 1985 (as amended) to help develop high-yielding and cost-reducing technologies so farmers can produce enough rice for all Filipinos.

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Philippine Rice Research Institute