To provide awareness on the annual yield increase of rice due to researches on improving traits associated to high yield, PhilRice conducted a seminar on Genetic gain in rice held at its Central Experiment Station in Maligaya, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija, April 20.
Dr. Shoba Venkatanagappa, senior scientist of the International Rice Research Institute, served as the speaker. In the seminar, Dr. Venkatanagappa explained that genetic gain in rice is the result of the improvement made through selections for genotypes to develop new varieties.
She added that genetic gain is useful to farmers in increasing their production and profit.
“Increase in yield, pest and disease tolerance, and good-eating quality are some of the genetic characteristics needed to enhance farmers’ rice productivity and profitability and eventually rice sufficiency,” she said.
Venkatanagappa also reiterated that breeders and agronomists need to intensify the information dissemination to keep farmers updated on new technologies. This can be done by collaborating with other concerned agencies.
