Phl, South Korea collaborate on rice seeds certification

MANILA, Philippines - The collaborative project between the Philippine and Korean governments has culminated with an improved efficiency in the local processing and certification of rice seeds.

Funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Enhancing the Capacity of Production and Distribution of High-Quality Rice Seeds project has concluded after four years.

Project manager Suh Chong-Hyuk reported the initiative has increased capacity for seed processing and certification, manpower and institutions, and increased awareness and adoption rate of high-quality seeds among the farmers and seed growers.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Philippine Rice Research Institute and the Bureau of Plant Industry acted as the project implementers.

Part of the project was the construction of a modern rice seed processing facility which can process up to two tons of seeds per hour, aimed at ensuring the availability of quality seeds processed in a shorter time and providing timely supply to farmers.

The Korean government also provided equipment and materials for seed processing, quality testing and certification, as well as technical assistance in various specialization in terms of seed production and distribution system.

Meanwhile, KOICA assistant country director Lee Sangback challenged the Philippines to sustain and strengthen the project.

“This is a time to start. It’s now your turn to sustain the initiatives with your knowledge and experience,” he said.

PhilRice executive director Sailila Abdula, on the other hand, called for a continued innovation in improving the rice seed sector.

“Seeds are the building blocks of our rice industry. With the facilities, equipment and capacity enhancement from this project, we can do more for the rice farmers,” Abdula said.

The Korean government recommended the strengthening of breeding activities in branch stations and regional research centers.