Rice technologies showcased in varietal derby

Up to 85 farmer groups and other stakeholders in the rice industry had the chance to observe various improved rice farming techniques in the just concluded 8th National Rice Technology Forum (NRTF) that was held in Calasiao, Pangasinan on March 19-21, 2019.

According to Carlos Saplala of SeedWorks Philippines, one of the participating seed companies, 37.5 hectares located in Urdaneta and Asingan were planted to various hybrid varieties grown using different systems. The rice crops are nearing maturity and the attendees can really appreciate the advantages of using the right varieties and cultural practices that could help increase yields, and at the same time, reduce production costs.

For instance, three different ways of establishing the rice crop were showcased. One is by manual transplanting. Another is by using a mechanical transplanter. And the third is by direct seeding. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. It has been established that by using a transplanting machine, the farmer can save about 13,500 on labor per hectare. Mechanical transplanting also can finish the job fast. Direct seeding by “Sabog Tanim” is fast but the right variety should be used. TH82, a variety from SeedWorks, is perfect for this type of crop establishment because it has vigorous root system that makes it resistant to lodging and other stresses.

Saplala believes that farm mechanization is the way to go to make rice farming more competitive. Other farming chores that can be mechanized include land preparation, seedling production, spraying foliar fertilizer and pesticide by the drone technology, rice harvesting and threshing that can be done in one passing, together with baling of the rice straw. Drying and milling are postharvest operations that are mechanized.

SeedWorks showcased two of its high-performing hybrid varieties in the derby. By the looks of the stand of the two varieties, Saplala is confident that

IDEAL FOR BROWN RICE – The long grains of the US-88 hybrid rice are highly suitable for the production of brown rice. When cooked, the rice is soft which is well liked by many consumers. US-88 is a high-yielding hybrid that is distributed locally by SeedWorks Philippines headed by Carlos Saplala.