The Bureau of Plant Industry, in partnership with the Philippine Rice Research Institute, the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office-CAR, and the Agricultural Training Institute CAR, organized and funded a training activity entitled Basic Training Course on Inbred Rice Seed Production and Certification for CAR on May 20-23, 2024.
Mr. Fidel M. Ramos from PhilRice led the first module, focusing on the cultural management of rice production. He emphasized the importance of the E-A-T Right technique for nutrient management. E-A-T stands for applying the right element, in the right amount, and at the right time. In the absence of soil testing facilities, Mr. Ramos recommended specific fertilizer applications:
For medium-maturing varieties, the basal application should occur 10-14 days after transplanting, using six bags of complete fertilizer (14-14-14 or 16-20-0) to support root development and tillering.
Urea should not be used as a basal fertilizer since it primarily promotes leaf development without benefiting the roots. Urea should be applied in split doses: one bag on the 21st day, another on the 28th day, and a final bag on the 35th day to avoid volatility and wastage. During the panicle initiation stage, 0-0-60 fertilizer should be applied to ensure proper grain filling.
Mr. Ramos also addressed pest and disease management, highlighting the importance of prevention. Effective water management is crucial for bacterial leaf blight (BLB) and rice blast (RB). For BLB, draining irrigation water can prevent bacterial spread, followed by fungicide application. Conversely, for RB, maintaining water levels is critical. To manage brown planthopper (BPH), raising irrigation levels encourages nymph movement upwards, making insecticide application more effective.
Mr. Randy Soriano, Training Specialist II and the Rice Focal Person from ATI-CAR tackled Module 2 concerning on Transformation Leadership and Values Reorientation. He emphasized the need for commitment and integrity in producing high-quality seeds. He stressed that producing substandard seeds leads to lower rice yields, underlining the importance of integrating proper values in farm management.
The last module focused on Certification Policies and Rice Seed Industry Situationer. Ms. Catherine Balaoing, Chief of BPI-NSQCS, discussed the policies, processes, and guidelines for seed certification. Ms. Jennifer Cuda!, Seed Coordinator in CAR, highlighted that the region currently has a deficit in certified seed production. She challenged new seed growers to increase production to achieve self-sufficiency, noting that the region imports seeds from nearby regions (Regions 1 and 2) to meet its needs. All these updates
Participants engaged in a hands-on session in the rice fields, focusing on proper rouging techniques. Mr. Fidel Ramos facilitated the identification and removal of off type plants, including those not aligned, with different flag leaf sizes and orientations, shorter plants, and those diseased by BLB and rice blast.
During the graduation ceremony, Ms. Marlyn Tejero, OIC-Chief of the Operations Division of DA-RFO-CAR encouraged the participants to consider seed production as a viable enterprise, highlighting the business opportunities and potential for higher income. With assured markets through the RCEF program and the NRP, she urged the new seed growers to maximize their production efforts.
Fifteen rice farmers from the provinces of Apayao, Kalinga, and the host province Abra, participated in the training with aspirations of becoming seed growers and producers.//with reports from Engr. Randy T. Soriano
