Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund – Seed and Extension
The Philippines lifted its quantitative restrictions on imported rice as part of the country’s obligation to the World Trade Organization (WTO), which the country is a member since 1995. For 22 years, WTO had allowed the Philippines to limit the entry of rice imports as the country prepares its farmers for international competition. The intergovernmental organization had granted several extensions for special treatment on rice until it expired in June 2017.
To help rice farmers become competitive in a free trade regime, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) implements the seed component of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) created thru Republic Act 11203 or Rice Trade Liberalization Law. Under the program, PhilRice will develop, propagate, and promote inbred rice seeds. Mandated to promote high-quality inbred rice seeds to about 2 million farmers in 57 provinces, PhilRice will also enhance farmers’ skill and knowledge on rice production.
The seed component of RCEF is hoped to contribute in increasing yield up to 6t/ha in high-yielding provinces and 5t/ha in medium-yielding provinces by 2024. The program also aims to lower production cost by 30%, reduce postharvest losses to 12%, and trim down marketing cost by P1/kg.
News
- Farmers urged to enlist, join groups for RCEF support
- Support from local governments pour in for RCEF implementation
- Seed distribution under RCEF ready to go
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