1.3 million hectares eyed for hybrid rice

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has set a target of cultivating hybrid rice in up to 1.3 million hectares (ha) for crop year 2022 as part of its efforts to boost food security amid the pandemic.

“With hybrid rice, you’re sure to automatically harvest an additional 1.52 metric tons per hectare versus inbred,” said DA Rice Program consultant Dr. Frisco Malabanan.

“Secretary (William) Dar has been supported by the economic managers in the budget for hybrid rice. Prior to this, our hybrid rice area was only at around 300,000 to 400,000 hectares,” Malabanan said.

At least 700 ha of hybrid rice are being readied for the bumper dry season of 2022. That leaves around 500 to 600 ha for the less anticipated rainy season, but still a big area compared to previous years.

However, the DA budget for the food security program for 2022 has yet to be assured for the hybrid rice program to be sustained, Malabanan said. “The budget of the DA for food security has yet to be approved. It’s still being discussed in the Senate.”

Private seed growers have committed to supply the Agriculture department with hybrid rice seeds. They are readying the rice area that falls under the department’s rice clustering program.

The clustering program consolidates hybrid rice areas of at least 100 hectares, particularly in the 15 provinces identified as top rice-producing areas.

“We assure the government of our support for this public partnership program. It will be the key to our goal for food sufficiency and food security,” said Rice Board President Recher Ondap.

Out of the 15 priority provinces, five provinces already have identified locations — Bukidnon, Bicol, Nueva Ecija, Isabela and Ilocos.

The Agriculture department has been successful in restoring the hybrid rice program after the department secured a budget for this in the last two years.

Under the hybrid rice program, the DA has allocated a seed subsidy of P5,000 per hectare, accompanied with a fertilizer support of three vouchers per farmer equivalent to P1,000 per voucher.

“Any country in the world, if it can produce its staple locally, would do it because it’s difficult to depend on the world market for your staple’s supply,” Malabanan said.