35% of sugarcane areas now planted to HYVs

At least 35 percent of the total areas under sugarcane in the country is now planted to high-yielding varieties (HYVs).

Most of the sugarcane HYVs were bred by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) and the Philippine Sugar Institute Foundation, Inc. (Philsurin).

Last year alone, 14 new varieties were registered with the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC). Of these varieties, seven were developed by SRA, currently headed by Administrator James C. Ledesma and seven by Philsurin.

The use of HYVs is revitalizing the country’s sugarcane industry, as exemplified by the Victorias Milling Company VNC) in Victorias, Negros Occidental.

Last year, Philsurin Director General Leon M. Arceo reported that HYVs accounted for 97 percent of all canes milled at VMC.

Under favorable environment and sound management practices, the potential of a good variety can be maximized, Arceo said.

This is buttressed by the experience of Hacienda Pilar, a 127-hectare farm located in E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental.

Total production rose from 8.2 percent in 1998 to 11 percent in 2001.

Total production rose from 964.85 tons sugar in 1998 to 1,339.85 tons sugar in 2002. This was achieved by making VMC 86-550 the major variety in Hacienda Pilar.

Arceo said VMC 86-550 is setting records for high yield in Negros Occidental. Sugar recovery as high as 15 percent and sugar yield as high as 15.05 metric tons per hectare have been reported. – Rudy A. Fernandez