Tebag East, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan. The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center 1 (ATI-RTC 1) and the Bureau of Plant Industry-National Seed Quality Control Services (BPI-NSQCS) conducted two (2) batches of Training Course on Quality Inbred Rice Seed Production and Certification for Seed Growers on October 10–14, 2022, and October 17–21, 2022, respectively.
These initiatives are in support to the seed component program of RCEF–Rice Extension Service Program which aims to improve rice seed growers' technical skills in seed production and their knowledge on the most recent technologies in the seed industry, and to update them on current policies, rules, standards, and procedures for seed production and certification.
There were 50 seed growers from various municipalities in Pangasinan and La Union completed the training course. Among the activities done during the training were lecture-discussions and workshops. Among the topics discussed to the participants were the mechanics, policies, and guidelines on seed certification for the production of inbred rice seeds which were delivered by Dr. Benito S. Andaya, Regional Chief of BPI-NSQCS. Rice seed production, farm record keeping, seed marketing, and other topics were discussed by experts from ATI-RTC 1, DA-RFO 1, BPI-NSQCS 1, PSU, PAgO and LGU-Mapandan.
Meanwhile, actual field works were done at a seed storage facility in Brgy. Matolong, Manaoag, Pangasinan. Specifically, the participants were able to experience seed tagging and seed sampling in order for them to reinforce what they have learned from the lectures.
“Natutunan po namin ang tungkol sa mechanics, policies and guidelines on seed production and seed quality, characteristics ng NSIC approved rice varieties form 2011-2018, post-harvest technology rice program including Masagana 150, and also the integrated nutrient management, integrated pest management and most of all the seed marketing. Laking pasasalamat po namin dahil nalaman po namin and lahat ng mga ito upang mapataas pa lalo ang antas ng production sa ating rehiyon.”, said by Mr. Ragsac C. De Leon of Brgy. Flores, San Manuel, Pangasinan as he expressed his learnings and appreciation to the training.
One of the key players in the rice industry sector are the seed growers, and they need to complete a refresher or retooling course in order to apply for the renewal of their accreditation.
The inbred rice seed growers were expected to increase the production of certified seeds after the training, thereby raising demand. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the potential inbred seed output by reviving the rice inbred seed industry and adding more seed producers.
