To build up the accessibility and availability of public hybrid rice seeds in the Ilocos Region, PhilRice Batac through its Business Development Unit has embarked on F1 rice seed production.
According to Joel G. James, land management officer, 0.5t or 472kg of F1 Mestizo 1 (PSB Rc 72H) seeds were produced in a 0.4-ha plot at the station using the AxR 3-line system. The production can plant at least 23ha at a seeding rate of 20kg/ha.
“We can produce hybrid seeds in our area despite water limitations during the dry season. This endeavor aims to address the continuing clamor of local farmers for seeds of Mestizo 1,” James explained.
Hybrid varieties are known not only to possess yield advantage over inbreds but also have excellent eating qualities – soft and aromatic – that are sought by rice processors.
Hybrid farmers had access to high-quality seeds for the 2023 wet season as the Batac station offered its first station-produced hybrid seeds priced at PhP212/kg.
Roger R. Valiente of Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte, an early adopter of F1 seeds, revealed that he is confident in the quality of the hybrid seeds he has procured from PhilRice Batac.
The station plans to further expand and establish AxR, SxP, and AxB parentals in the next planting seasons.
