A five-day Season-Long Training on Hybrid Rice Seed Production and Certification was successfully held in Nueva Ecija from November 25 to 29, 2024, attended by 50 seed growers from the province. It aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge and practical skills for enhancing hybrid rice seed production.
The program opened with a video message from Assistant Director Ruel C. Gesmundo and included lectures on hybrid rice economics, seed production management, certification standards, and post-harvest operations. These topics were discussed by Mr. Rodolfo C. Padua, Jr., Technical Staff III, ATI Region III, Dr. Fidel M. Ramos, Senior SRS, PhilRice Isabela, Mr. Leonilo Gramaje, Senior SRS, PhilRice Central Office, and Ms. Reshel J. Deytiquez, Agriculturist II, NSQCS Region III. They emphasized the importance of high-quality seed production and its direct impact on agricultural productivity and sustainability.
A highlight of the training was the hands-on activity on the fourth day, where participants identified rice plant diseases and practiced rouging techniques, solidifying their understanding of seed purity and plant health. Participants will continue their learning through supervised fieldwork, observing the rice growth cycle until harvest, culminating in their formal graduation from the program.
The training highlighted the vital role of quality seed production in achieving food security and empowering seed growers with sustainable farming practices.
The training was concluded with a message from the resource speakers and Ms. Josephine A. Reyes, Chief of NSQCS Region III reiterating the critical role of quality seed production in empowering seed growers and sustaining the hybrid rice industry in Nueva Ecija.
This initiative aligns with the vision of DA Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. to empower farmers through capacity-building, ensuring the production of quality hybrid rice seeds that can significantly enhance agricultural productivity.
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