(File photo) MANILA - The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program led by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) through its technology demonstration project known as 'PalaySikatan' continues to showcase the benefits of using recommended rice varieties and modern farm technologies in select areas in the country. "We want farmers to personally experience the technologies and practices that we introduced. Because they do it themselves, they can witness and prove its efficiency. We are here to provide technical assistance from seed to seed," RCEF Seed Program Field Operations and Monitoring Head Rizal Corales said in a news release on Monday. Currently in its third year, PalaySikatan features modern inbred rice varieties coupled with integrated crop management practices and technologies in the major rice farm operations including crop establishment, pest and nutrient management, and harvest operations. Among the na
The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program, through its technology demonstration project dubbed as “PalaySikatan,” continues to showcase the benefits of using recommended rice varieties and modern farm technologies in select areas of the country. Farmer Orlando B. Cruz, 58, from Guiguinto, Bulacan, harvested 9.6 tons per hectare and…
(File photo courtesy of DA) MANILA - The Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) is urging farmers to follow the recommended seeding rate in rice production for better yields and reduced production costs. Seeding rate refers to the amount of rice seeds planted per hectare. DA-PhilRice recommends 40 kilograms (kg) per hectare for transplanted rice while 60-80kg per hectare is promoted for direct-seeded. "When this is followed, rice plants grow healthier because it can receive sufficient sunlight and evenly absorb nutrients from the soil. It can also help produce productive tillers, which would mean higher yields. This recommendation results in good yield and lower farm expenses," Rizal Corales, chief science research specialist at DA-PhilRice, explained in a statement on Tuesday. Previously, the usual seeding rate of farmers ranged from 200-250kg/hectare. Many Filipino farmers today are using around 100-150kg of seeds per hectare. Some farm
The Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) is urging farmers to follow the recommended seeding rate in rice production for better yields and reduced production cost. Seeding rate refers to the amount of rice seeds planted per hectare. DA-PhilRice recommends 40 kilograms per hectare for transplanted rice while…