A locally-made riding-type rice transplanter has been unveiled, promising to transform the way rice is planted across the country. 

Developed by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) with funding from the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), this innovative machine offers a range of benefits that could revolutionize rice farming practices.

The transplanter is capable of planting rice seedlings on up to two hectares of land per day, boasting an impressive average missing hill rate of just 9.3%. 

Compared to traditional manual transplanting methods, this machine operates at an astounding 80% faster pace, significantly enhancing planting efficiency and reducing the labor required.

One of the standout features of the transplanter is its ability to minimize the physical strain associated with manual planting. Designed to address the common issue of labor scarcity during planting season, the machine requires only one operator, thus easing the burden on farmers and allowing them to manage their resources more effectively.

Cost efficiency is another major advantage of this transplanter. Priced at 30% less than imported models, it also demonstrates impressive fuel savings, consuming 1–2 liters less fuel compared to its foreign counterparts. These cost savings make the machine a viable option for small to medium-sized farms looking to optimize their operations without breaking the bank.

Project Leader Arnold S. Juliano of PhilRice highlighted that while the initial prototype has already shown remarkable promise, further improvements are underway. The team is working on a more suitable, simpler, lighter, and cost-effective design, aiming to enhance mobility and planting capacity. These advancements were presented during the Field Monitoring and Evaluation Visit and Project Review meeting organized by DOST-PCAARRD’s Agricultural Resources Management Research Division (ARMRD).

Currently, pilot testing of the improved prototype is in progress. Researchers are meticulously gathering data on various performance metrics, including theoretical and actual field capacity, field efficiency, seedlings per hill, spacing between hills, planting orientation, and fuel consumption. This data collection is conducted in accordance with the Philippine National Standards/ Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standards (PNS/PAES 152:2015) to ensure the transplanter meets high-quality benchmarks.

The project is set for completion in 2025, with the goal of delivering a lightweight and affordable transplanter that will boost farmers’ incomes by reducing transplanting costs and improving plant density. By utilizing locally sourced materials and skilled labor in the production of these transplanters, the initiative also aims to create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region.