TIGBAUAN, ILOILO- To address the problems of shortage of good quality rice seeds, and the low number of accredited seed growers and seed inspectors, ATI region 6 recently conducted the 5-day Training Course on Inbred Rice Seed Production and Certification for Deputized and Designated Seed Inspectors.
A total of 30 participants were composed of agricultural extension workers from the provinces of Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental, and staff from the Bureau of Plant Industry -National Seed Quality Control Services (BPI-NSQGS) have completed the training.
During the training, lectures and presentations on the national rice program, cultural management practices of inbred rice, and harvest and post-harvest technology were discussed. Also, topics on seed production, certification, and the role of seed inspectors were presented.
Additionally, seed bagging and tagging, sampling, and routing of samples in the laboratory were undertaken during the training.
Highlights of the activity also include field inspection, strip sampling, rouging, and seed testing procedures.
Joie B. Guimaray, Agriculturist II of DA-RFO 6, Sixto C. Cabila, chief of NSQCS R6, Jenelyn A. Amorsolo, Agriculturist II and Assistant Chief of BPI NSQCS Region 6, Fennie Lyn Pantin, RCEF regional coordinator for Panay, PhilRice-Negros Occidental, Flerida D. Demamay, Science Research Specialist II of DA-RFO 6, and Queenie R. Carbaquel, Agriculturist I of BPI NSQCS R6 are the pool of experts who shared their expertise and contributed to the success of the activity.
Moreover, participants expressed their appreciation for the learnings that they have gained during the training. Participant Roberto Arconada of LGU Cabatuan said: “When I heard about the training for seed inspectors, I immediately submitted an intent to attend the said training. I also want to help our seed growers and farmers by becoming a seed inspector, since there is only one in our area. I am thankful for all the learnings and I hope that I and my fellow participants can apply this in our respective localities.”
Meanwhile, in her inspirational message, Eden DLR. Bautista, ATI Region 6 center director emphasized to the participants the importance of the application of the learnings and skills that they have gained during the training.
“Sometimes, when we fail to execute learnings and hone our skills, we become rustic and dull. May this training give you not only knowledge but also a positive attitude. Your attitude will then direct you to become efficient and effective seed inspectors,” Bautista stressed.
This training that was held last June 6-10, 2022 at Sol y Mar Family Beach Resort, Tigbauan, Iloilo aims to improve the seed inspectors’ capabilities to perform their functions in providing technical services to seed growers.
Furthermore, this activity has provided 12 CPD points for the licensed agriculturists who have finished the whole duration of the training.
