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Philippines - Department of Agriculture chief pushes for use of certified seeds, lines-up agri services


The Philippines
September 17, 2010

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso J. Alcala urged about three thousand farmers to use certified seeds during his recent field visits and engagements in farmers’ congresses in Northeastern Luzon.

“About 70 percent of the farmers in the country use ordinary or good seeds. Let’s improve this practice by using certified seeds,” Alcala told farmers in Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela, Quirino, and Cagayan.
PhilRice studies show that the use of certified seeds of a recommended variety contributes to 5-10 percent increase in yield as this type of seeds produces healthy seedlings that grow fast and uniformly. Certified seeds are pure, clean, full and uniform in size, and have germination rate of 85 percent.

Having passed quality standards set by the National Seed Quality Control Services, certified seeds have good market demand.

Meanwhile, Alcala urged seed growers in the region to form clusters with at least 50 ha. Once clustered, he said that the group will receive a vacuum packer, which will preserve seeds, prolong seed storage capacity, and ensure good germination.
Trainings to overcome challenges
“To adjust with changes in time,” Alcala supports the retraining or retooling agricultural extension workers and training of farmers on the latest rice-farming technologies. Alcala said the trainings will mold farmers into Magsasakang Siyentistas who make informed decisions with less supervision from agricultural experts.

Alcala, a principal author of Republic Act 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, said farmers’ trainings will include organic farming, which yield high quality products for export.

“Trainings on organic farming will teach farmers to produce their own fertilizer, effectively manage rice pests and diseases with less application of chemicals, and manage crop in a sustainable way,” Alcala said.
Services for farmers
The DA chief, who took the helm in July, also lined-up the department’s services to be extended to the farmers, including rehabilitation and repair of irrigation facilities, access on agricultural fund through Land Bank of the Philippines, and improved market for agricultural products.

“We are improving these services for your benefit because you are our partners in attaining the country’s goal of food security and rice self-sufficiency in 2013,” Alcala said.

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 511/512 or any PhilRice station near you. You may also visit their website at www.philrice.gov.ph or text your questions to 0920-911-1398.



More news from: Philrice (Philippine Rice Research Institute)


Website: http://www.philrice.gov.ph

Published: September 17, 2010

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