“Being a Seed inspector is a very tough and exciting role. This role may be an additional workload, but the impact of being a seed inspector echoes throughout the life of not just the seed grower but the whole country”. These are words from one of the participants of the Training on Inbred Rice Seed Production and Certification for Potential Seed Inspectors as he jotted down his insights for the said training.
The limitation of the number of seed inspectors in the region influences the inspection process risking the quality of the seeds in the Philippines. The training for new potential inspectors ensures that there is an adequate number of qualified individuals to maintain and uphold seed quality standards.
Thirty (30) Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWS) across the region participated in the 5-day long training held at the Farmers Training Center (FTC) in Central Mindanao University (CMU), Musuan, Maramag Bukidnon. The training aims for the participants to recognize the latest policies and guidelines in rice seed certification; describe and distinguish the latest NSIC Rice-approved varieties; explain and demonstrate different techniques on field inspection; and define the certification scheme in inbred rice seed production. In order to achieve these, the participants were exposed to lectures, discussions, and field activities. Their modules revolved on (1) Understanding the RCEF and its implications for rice farmers, (2) Seed Production, and (3) Seed Certification, with the guidance of the following resource persons and their corresponding topics:
• Mr. Reymard M. Galarrita, Technical Support Staff of ATI RTC X- The Rice Industry Situationer and Rice Tariffication Law
• Ms. Lita Amancia M. Yandug, OIC-Chief of BPI NSQCS 10 discussed the ‘Mechanics, Policies and Guidelines on Seed Grower Accreditation and Seed Certification for Inbred Rice Seed Production
• Mr. Manny Caesar M. Bequibel, Superintendent of PhilRice Filed Office CMU - Varietal Selection and Characteristics of the NSIC approved Inbred Rice Varieties (400-500 Series) and the Top Five Recommended Rice Varieties for RCEF, and Cultural Management Practices Relative to the Growth Stages of the Inbred Rice Plant
• Mr. Rene Jim Cardinez - Seed Health
•Engr. Deneb Joel V. Ganancial- Harvest and Post-Harvest Handling
•Ms. Jenalyn B. Imbat - Field Inspection and Roguing in Inbred Rice Field, and Seed Testing Methods, Procedures and Seed Standards
•Mr. Rolando D. Obas Jr. - Seed bagging and Tagging and Sampling and Sample Preparation
With the rigid training that the AEWs had, their roles as seed inspectors are integral in ensuring that the Filipino farmers have access to high-quality rice seeds, ultimately contributing to improving agricultural productivity, and enhancing our competitiveness in the rice sector to support the livelihoods of rice farmers in the country.
“It is not easy to engage in seed production, much more as being a seed inspector, but in order to fulfill and accomplish the goal of producing quality seeds for our farmers, we have to have dedication in our work,” said a participant. (written and submitted by: Angelli C. Doña, Technical Support Staff / RCEF Communication)
