Seed is the foundation of any rice crop. It plays an important role in any technology embedding. However there is a need to produce pure, quality, resistant, healthy seeds for production of healthy food to satisfy our needs. In the region, there is an increasing number of seed growers who supply the demand for seeds for production purposes. Maintaining the quality of the planting seeds are very important and seed inspectors play a vital role in maintaining the purity of the seeds grown by seed growers.
As the capacity builders, knowledge bank, and catalyst of the Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries extension system, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) continues its efforts to help develop the capabilities and strengthen the competitiveness of agricultural extension workers (AEWs) on seed inspection.
Deputized seed inspectors in region 8 joined a training course to improve their capabilities in providing technical services to seed growers.
Participants were re-oriented with the mechanics, policies, and guidelines on seed certification for inbred rice seed production, and their responsibilities as seed inspectors. Also part of the discussions were the following: Varietal performance of 5 RCEF recommended rice varieties in Region 8, RSIS App, Key activities during the Critical Stages of the Rice Plant and the specific morphological traits of rice in terms of the differences in variety essential for seed inspection, Harvest and Post-harvest seed technology, Seed warehouse management, Storage insect pests that should be monitored, Seed sampling and sample preparation, Seed bagging and tagging, and the Seed testing procedures and laboratory standards.
Participants appreciated the practicum at King Leon Integrated Farm, Hilongos, Leyte for field inspection and roguing in Inbred Rice Seed Field as they learned the vital rice morphological traits that should be considered during the field inspection.
“I am thankful for this training, because I have been in Iloilo, and Bohol but only in this training that I learned something new about the specific traits on rice growth which is essential for us as seed inspectors”, shares Mrs. Rowena D. Tapalla, Seed Inspector from LGU-Dulag, Leyte.
A total of 26 seed inspectors completed the Refresher Course on Inbred Seed Production and Certification for Deputized Seed Inspectors in Region 8 on March 22-24, 2023 at ATI-RTC 8, VSU Campus, Baybay City, Leyte. (With written reports by Junalyn F. Palco)
