RCEF benefits rice farmers
Farmers and agriculturists noted that RCEF activities are well-coordinated
Farmers and extension workers in Agangan, Quezon expressed satisfaction regarding the implementation of the government’s Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).
“Farmers and agriculturists noted that RCEF activities are well-coordinated. They also mentioned that the quality of seeds was ‘tested and proven,’” Marvin Valle, an agricultural technician in the area, said.
He added that seed deliveries and distribution during the wet season are well-facilitated and that inbred seed provisions are of high quality.
He likewise said that majority of the farmer-beneficiaries are notified regarding distribution schedules through text messages, while senior rice growers were informed through house visits.
Meanwhile, the beneficiary-farmers told implementers that the NSIC Rc 160 variety was preferred in the wet season, while Rc 216 was favored during the dry period.
Rc 160, known for its goodeating quality, yields about six tons per hectare (t/ha) on average and has a maximum yield of eight t/ha.
It is susceptible to tungro and brown plant hopper, but resistant to stemborer and white stemborer.
While Rc 216 yields six t/ha and about 10 t/ha at most. It is moderately resistant to brown planthopper, green leafhopper and stemborer.
With the high-quality classification of inbred rice seeds, farmers admitted the need to be reminded of the recommended farming practices through training sessions.
Under the RCEF-Rice Extension Services Program (RESP), information materials on modern rice farming are also distributed to the beneficiaries who are enlisted in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture.
“I learned better way of farming from the materials, which improved my yield and my practices on applying fertilizer,” a farmer-participant said.
RCEF beneficiaries also said the technology videos aired during seed distribution were “informative, entertaining and easy to understand.”
The RCEF-RESP, which is a component of Republic Act 11203 or Rice Tariffication Law, allots P1 billion fund every year for the rice farmers. The program is a six-year government initiative to help the farmers compete in the international rice market.