PhilRice backs Aurora's bid to become fancy rice haven

SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ, Nueva Ecija, Philippines – The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has thrown its support behind the bid of the province of Aurora to become a “haven” for fancy rice varieties.

Ruben Miranda, PhilRice deputy executive director for development, said that as proof of the institute’s support for Aurora and its so-called Aurora (AURora’s ORganically Grown Aromatic Rice project, it will intensify its institutional tie-up with the provincial government in helping identify location-specific technologies and practices suited to the province.      

Miranda made the commitment of support during the ceremonial first harvest of Basmati rice held at Barangay Esteves, Casiguran, Aurora recently.

Proponents of the Aurora rice project are set to cultivate aromatic varieties such as Jasmine, Basmati, and Japonica in 200 hectares this wet season covering the Aurora municipalities of Baler, Dipaculao, San Luis, and Casiguran.

Miranda urged farmers to participate in adaptability trials to determine the best practices suited for planting fancy rice varieties in the area. He also encouraged rice farmers to form organizations as government projects are focused on organized farmers’ groups.

To help farmers customize the PalayCheck system, PhilRice had deployed rice sufficiency officers in Ma. Aurora, Dipaculao, Dingalan, and Baler.

Aurora Governor Bellaflor Angara-Castillo said the provincial government appreciates the PhiRice for assisting her province through the dissemination of its technologies.

The Aurora rice project is a collaborative venture among the office of Sen. Edgardo Angara, Aurora Grains, Inc (AGI), PhilRice, and Read Foundation, Inc. and the provincial government. Launched in December 2009, the three-year project aims to produce organically-grown and high-value rice to increase the income of the Aurora farmers.

Rolando San Gabriel, Aurora rice program leader, said the project also aims to link farmers with the retailers in major cities in Metro Manila such as Makati, Pasay, Quezon, Mandaluyong, and Parañaque “where the demand for special quality rice is high.”