By Charisma Love B. Gado
The Philippine STAR via SEARCA BIC

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is set to improve the production of hybrid rice by developing a direct seeding technology.

In a recent assessment and planning activity, the hybrid rice team of the institute agreed that a technology on the direct seeded production of hybrid rice will be developed soon to facilitate a wider adoption of hybrid rice. In almost five years implementation of the Hybrid Rice Commercialization Program, only the technology for transplanted hybrid rice was developed and disseminated to the farmers.

Dr. John C. de Leon, PhilRice hybrid rice program leader on hybrid rice, said the technology protocol on direct seeded by hybrid rice can easily gain farmers' trust and confidence because its cultivation is cheaper than transplanted rice.

Research results have shown that direct seeding reduces cultivation by seven days resulting in cheaper crop establishment. The results also showed that the yield of direct seeded hybrid rice is comparable with the transplanted crop.

To develop a protocol, de Leon and his group suggested that on-station experiments showcasing different seeding rates (20, 30 and 40 kg) should be established while farmer's practices on direct seeding should be studied and documented. His group also suggested that precision seeder and other machines relevant to direct seeded hybrid rice production should be developed.

In Isabela, the country's leading hybrid rice producer, farmers practice direct seeded production of hybrid rice as it solves labor inadequacy during the planting season. Any delay in transplanting might expose the rice plants to unfavorable weather conditions.

Moreover, Isabela technology technician Nenita Miranda said farmers prefer direct seeding for hybrid rice production of as it raises their income by P1,000 to P1,500 a hectare. In terms of yield, direct seeded hybrid rice produces 8,000 to 9,000 kl/ha - the same quantity as the transplanted rice.