DA plans for rice self-sufficiency

The Department of Agriculture and its partner agencies are getting ready for next year’s stretch of the Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP) through rice R&D review and planning workshop being held at Philippine Carabao Center in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Sept 4-6.

Supporting FSSP, the government’s banner program to attain sufficiency in rice and other major crops, 16 regional executive directors will present their region’s rice industry profile and databases.

Meanwhile, partner agencies will impart rice science and technology updates.

Glen Ilar, Dr. Karen Eloisa Barroga, Dr. Flordeliza Bordey, Susan Brena, and Thelma Padolina of Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) will update the group on varieties, crop management, machines, and knowledge products and services.

PhilRice experts will also present the national rice industry profile and popularization of Mestiso 19 (NSIC Rc202H) and Mestiso 20 (NSIC Rc204H).

The regions’ rice research and development agenda and priorities in 2013 will also be tackled to ensure the implementation of the programs key interventions, which include improved production-support, enhanced incentives and enabling mechanism, and managed food consumption.

Participating agencies include National Irrigation Association, Bureau of Plant Industry, Bureau of Soil and Water Management, Bureau of Agricultural Research, Agricultural Training Institute, Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, and International Rice Research Institute.

DA-PhilRice is a government-owned and –controlled corporation that aims at developing high-yielding and cost-reducing technologies so farmers can produce enough rice for all Filipinos.

For more information, please visit or contact DA-PhilRice at Maligaya, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija with telephone number (044) 456-0285 loc 512 or any PhilRice station near you. You may also visit www.philrice.gov.ph or text your questions to 0920-911-1398.