Palawan to produce hybrid seeds

MANILA, Philippines — The province of Palawan is gearing up for the production of hybrid rice seeds in a bid to improve output in the area.

Public hybrid rice will soon be available for Palawan farmers following a recent intensive training attended by the province’s agricultural workers.

Rice program project officer Marlon Montero said hybrid rice seeds in Palawan are being sourced from regions particularly Davao.

“There is a risk in procuring the seeds away from Palawan knowing that this can negatively affect the germination rate. With our current efforts, we may no longer need to buy seeds from other regions in the coming years,” he added.

Palawan targets to expand up to 1000 hectares of public hybrid rice production in the next planting seasons.

It is now conducting training for 40 agricultural extension workers and project implementers on hybrid seed production focusing on field and crop establishment and seed technology.

The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute said the training aims to ensure the high purity of seeds to be produced and that best management practices are adopted to achieve the highest potential yield of hybrid.

Public hybrid variety Mestizo 1 has an average yield of 5.4 metric tons per hectare up to 9.9 MT/ha and is highly recommended nationwide for its good eating quality and aroma.

Another variety Mestizo 20 can thrive in the most climatic types in the country and can yield from 6.4 MT/ha to 11.7 MT/ha.

The series of training is in support to the provincial government’s rice program, which provides hybrid seeds and farm inputs to about 400 farmer beneficiaries.

Refresher courses on seed quality assessment, seed certification, laboratory and field requirements and procedures were also discussed to seed inspectors.