As rice variety studies are in continuous full-swing in the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), delegates from the rice breeding innovation assured that the drought-tolerant rice seeds would be able to improve yield, lessen the farmer’s operating expenses, and provide benefits to consumers.

During the Enrichment Session on Rice Science, Mary Jean Du, the media relations specialist shared that IRRI’s rice varieties would address all kinds of climate stresses that affect growth and rice production.

According to Du, the studied varieties should adapt to all kinds of climate situations and environmental positions to ensure adequate yield.

“[In the various studies] we can assure that there are no rice inputs wasted and that the variety that will be planted can tolerate any stress,” she told reporters.

With the recent El Niño phenomenon, the effects have been felt across the country, damaging Philippine agriculture to about P1.75 billion. Recently, over 32,000 hectares of land were struck by severe heat, affecting production as well as the livelihood of thousands of farmers.

However, with the constant planting and evaluation of rice varieties, IRRI ensured that four current breeding pipelines are already market-driven.

The drought-tolerable varieties are said to survive prolonged dry spells and still provide enough yield to farmers and keep up with the consumer demand for rice.

“We are aligning all our activities in the field… We're working with the Department of Agriculture [DA] Regional Field Offices, the Provincial Local Government Units [PLGUs], the Agricultural Extension Workers, the Bureau of Plant Industry [BPI], and API,” Du added.

Reducing farmer’s expenses

Aside from pursuing drought-resistant strategies for rice planting, IRRI hopes that the seed varieties that are in the pipelines will save farmers from breaking their banks (and their backs too).

During the recent visit of DA secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. to IRRI, the rice breeding innovation delegate affirmed that a memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been made between the research institute and the agriculture sector.

“The signed MOU includes direct-seeded rice, as the DSR is one way of reducing the cost to farmers.”

IRRI estimated around P60,000 to P70,000 worth of production cost per hectare.

“The farmers’ concern during our consultations with them is the labor… They need to hire a lot of people for transplanting. But if they go for direct-seeded, [the farmers] can use machines that have been distributed by the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization [PhilMech],” Du explained.

Additionally, IRRI expects lesser water utilization for certain adaptable seeds, which in turn, would minimize water expenses for the rice farmers.

“It will take two and a half years before the variety seeds will be released and dispersed to farmers. But I think the DA is addressing that to really invigorate the seed system support.”

The IRRI is actively pursuing other strategies to expedite the seeds to the rice growers.