Farmer-cooperators in Buenavista, Quezon are now producing hybrid rice seeds resulting in an increased supply in Luzon.
Acknowledged as first seed suppliers of Mestiso 20 (M20) in Luzon, members of the Hagonghong-Bucal Association Alex Simbajon and Buenavista Vice Mayor Rey Rivera are distributing seeds in the area. M20 seeds are usually bought from Mindanao.
With a hectare seed production area in Buenavista, Quezon, Simbajon and Rivera ensures that their practices do not comprise standards set by the Bureau of Plant Industry-National Seed Quality Control Services. Their knowledge and skills are from the accreditation training for two-line hybrid rice seed growers conducted last year by PhilRice in partnership with RFO-CALABARZON and BPI-NSQCS CALABARZON.
Farmers cultivating M20 said that the variety has gained popularity among them due to its disease resistance, drought tolerance, high yield potential, and favorable market price. “M20 did not disappoint me. I gained 7t/ha from the usual 5t/ha yield from inbred rice, which increased my net profit from PhP950/50kg (dried palay sold to National Food Authority) to PhP2,000/50kg (milled M20). I will plant this variety again as seed source is just within our reach,” Marites Mendoza said.
