Promotion of hybrid rice in Northeast Luzon: Social, technical & policy issues, constraints and prospects

Issue Date

8-2005

Abstract

Hybrid rice promotion is being conducted within the four provinces of Region 2 (Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino & Nueva Vizcaya) and three provinces of Cordillera Autonomous Region (Kalinga, Apayao & Ifugao) starting 1997. The aim is to promote hybrid rice in at least 25% of the 480,000 ha of irrigated rice lands in Northeast Luzon within 5 years. This is done through training, linkages or collaboration, on-farm and media demonstration of the results of research and development undertaken by collaborating agencies. Based on past technology demonstrations (techno-demos) of F1 hybrid rice, the highest yield was experienced in Camalaniugan, Cagayan during the dry season (DS) of 1999 with 12.40 tons/ha, while the best inbred attained a much lower yield of 8 tons/ha. In a 10-ha hybrid compact techno-demo in San Mateo, Isabela, the average yields were 6.85 tons/ha for hybrid rice and 4.00 tons/ha for inbred rice. This potential of hybrid rice to yield much higher than inbred rice has benn expected ti facilitate the full take-off of the hybrid rice program in Northeast Luzon. However, it is still moving at a snail pace. This is due to the inadequate seed supportsystem which is brought about by several political, social and technological issues. To break through these issues and constraints. PhilRice Hybrid Rice Center (PHC) together with Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Unit 2/Cordillera Autonomous Region Field Unit (DA-RFU 2/CARFU), state colleges and universities (SCUs), local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs), Agricultural Training Institutes (ATI), Cagayan Valley Agricultural Resources and Research Development (CVARRD) and farmer-partners in the area, tried to evolve a model/s for specific areas/culture that could lead to the development of a strong seed program on hybrid rice. With the unified efforts of the collaborators, the area planted for F1 hybrid seed production increased four times from 15 ha to 71 ha. Likewise, from a meager 16 ha area cultivated for hybrid rice commercial production during the 1999dry season, the area was increased to 80 ha in 2000 DS. The yield potential of hybrid rice, its economic viability and other advantages over inbred rice were showcased using the multimedia approach for faster dissemination of hybrid technology. Based on observations, the usual 3-5 day training program was not enough for farmers to internalize the mechanism of hybrid seed production. This was manifested by the frequent calls for PHC staff to provide technical assistance in almost all aspects of hybrid seed production. In response, a season-long training on hybrid rice seed production was developed and conducted/organized in all province covered by the PHC. Some 300 farmers and LGU technicians have participated in this program.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Journal of Crop Science

ISSN

0115-463x

Volume

30

Issue

2

Page

47-54

Document Type

Article

Frequency

tri-quarterly

Physical Description

tables

Language

English

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS