Undersecretary for Operations Ariel Cayanan formally opened the National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) celebration at the Central Office of the Department of Agriculture on November 5, 2018.

NRAM, celebrated every November, aims to raise public awareness on the importance of responsible rice consumption and give tribute to the rice farmers.

This year’s theme “Quality rice, quality life” highlights DA’s appeal to the farmers to use quality rice seeds in order to yield higher and better produce.

In his speech, Cayanan mentioned that as the country nears rice self-sufficiency, DA is slowly shifting its focus in improving quality of the produce.

“Our rice farmers should veer away from using low quality seeds and start using high quality seeds as this is the only way for us to get quality produce with high yield,” he added.

The Undersecretary announced that the NextGen Rice Project, a collaboration between the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), targets to produce new breeds of rice that will provide higher yield that are resistant to the effects of climate change.

Farmer leader Jerry Abasis of Putat-Catandaan rice farmers group from Nasugbu, Batangas declared the group’s allegiance in the thrusts and directives of the Department.

Abasis narrated how their old practices of re-using rice seeds for farming has yielded low quality and quantity produce.

“Before, we were getting 3.5 tons per hectare. Now, with high quality certified seeds, we harvest about 4.5 tons/ha for inbred and 5 tons/ha for hybrid,” he shared.

Putat-Catandaan rice farmers’ group received 82 bags of certified inbred and hybrid rice seeds through seed exchange. They were also given training on marketing strategies and effective farm management systems.

“After seeing its positive effects, we vow to only use certified seeds,” he said.

Abasis has also urged other members to practice synchronized farming to prevent diseases and pests. ### (Carlos Cezar Baldosa, DA-AFID)