The DA-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI), through the Crop Research and Production Support Division (BPI-CRPSD) and the National Seed Quality Control Services Division (BPI-NSQCS), spearheaded the 1st Semester Rice Seed Component Assessment and Planning Workshop held at the Oracle Hotel, Quezon City on July 16-19, 2024.
The activity aimed to assess the utilization of high-quality seed and the status of rice seed production in all regions. It also aimed to present the CY 2024 – 2025 certified seed requirements for dry season seeds and to discuss and provide recommendations on issues and challenges related to rice seed availability and production.
The activity was participated by the National Rice Program (NRP), Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), DA-Regional Field Offices (DA-RFOs) Regional Seed Coordinators and focal persons, BPI NSQCS Central, Regional and Satellite Stations and BPI Crop Research And Production Support Division (BPI-CRPSD).
Mr. Ralph Alan Ceniza, OIC-Chief, Field Programs Operational Planning Division, on behalf of Engr. Christopher V. Morales, Undersecretary for Rice Seed Industry Development, discussed the policy direction of the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program (MRIDP), which includes ensuring the availability of High-Quality Seeds (HQS), crafting of rice seed development roadmap, utilization of Rice Seed Information System (RSIS) to aid in the positioning of appropriate rice varieties, leverage seed distribution to guide adjustment of cropping calendar and focusing on farmer education and adoption.
BPI Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, Ph.D., Assistant Director For Research, Development, and Production Support Services, Herminigilda A. Gabertan, Ph.D., and Assistant Director for Regulatory Services Ruel C. Gesmundo delivered their message of support and underscored the significant impact of this initiative. This will significantly contribute towards strengthening the seed system for rice and provide sufficient high-quality seed planting materials to farmers.
The workshop covered a wide range of topics, including updates on El Niño and La Niña in Agriculture, Rice Importation, Varietal Registration of Rice, Status of RCEF Seeds 2024 Implementation and 2025 target, Inventory of Rice Seed production in PhilRice, Updates on Local Seed Support to Rice Production Project, and Updates on Seed Production and Certification. The NIA also presented and discussed the program implemented by their office about rice production. Additionally, VarMix Technology, conducted by PhilRice as a complimentary approach to pest and disease management in rice production, was also presented.
Participating regions represented by the Regional Seed Coordinators presented the accomplishment and status of high-quality rice for both inbred and hybrid seed production and utilization during the 2023 dry season and 2024 wet season, including the target for CY 2025. They also shared the different concerns experienced during the implementation and the interventions to address these challenges.
With the guidance of expert consultants Dr. Frisco Malabanan and Dr. Valentino Perdido, who served as panelists, along with the active participation and input from the attendees, the group collectively identified suggestions and agreements to improve the program’s implementation. These include the following: PhilRice regional stations to ensure the production of higher classes of seed varieties preferred by farmers and applicable in their respective areas of responsibilities; suggest to NIA to consider the planting calendar of seed production areas for irrigation release and to sit down with the different agencies of DA to plan the seed requirement in their contract farming project; and regions to consider the budget for the establishment and maintenance of provincial technology demonstrations for newly released varieties applicable in the area for promotion towards commercialization.
AD Gesmundo concluded the workshop by acknowledging everyone’s presence and efforts, which contributed to the success of the rice seed component meeting and planning workshop.
(073124-64)