DA to expand R&D on rice

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Agriculture plans to expand its research and development efforts on rice to help further improve the production of the crop.

According to Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala,  the DA also intends to intensify the commercialization of diversified and integrated rice-based farming systems such as Palayamanan to enable farmers to increase their productivity and income.

In Palayamanan, for instance, farmers are taught to combine rice growing with the cultivation of vegetables and other high value crops, as well as fish and livestock raising. DA promotes the technology through the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and National Rice Program.

Rice production in the Philippines has been on the uptrend for the past three years. Between 2010 and 2013, milled rice production grew by an average of 4.04 percent according to PhilRice.

In 2014, palay (unhusked rice) harvest is projected to reach 18.88 million MT, 2.4 percent bigger than the 2013 record output of 18.44 million MT.

The DA chief said the entire country owes this to the farmers who tirelessly work to lead the country towards greater rice sufficiency and increased food security.

“We could not have reached these milestones without the farmers and without prompt and proper intervention from the government.  Never before has the Philippines had this increment in rice,” Alcala said.

DA is also banking on its current partnership with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), in support of the government’s food security blueprint called the Food Staples Sufficiency Program. 

Under the agreement, the DA and IRRI work together to produce and distribute high-quality and improved rice seeds that are adaptable to climate change. In addition, best agricultural practices and other support tools will be disseminated, including skills-training for extension and field workers.

“The Department also intends to engage in profiling, finger printing and purification of traditional varieties with export potentials,” Alcala said.

He added, regional or provincial location specific technology development and adaptive studies for irrigated, rain-fed and upland ecosystem, is also included in the DA’s agenda.

Participatory varietal selection for favorable and adverse environment is included in the DA’s expanded R&D agenda for rice.

The DA will also enhance rice research capability and capacity, which includes improving and increasing facilities, equipment and manpower.