Rice R & D Thrusts in the Philippines

1THEPHILIPPINERICESITUA TIONDuringthelastdecade (1991- 2 0 0 0 ) ,annualgrowthin productionslightlyimprovedto 2 3%from 2 2 %duringthepreviousdecade (1981-1990 ) .Duringthelastdecade (1991- 2 0 0 0 ) ,annu algrowthinproductionslightlyimprovedto 2 3%from 2 2 %duringthe previousdecade (1981-1990 ) .Notwithstandingthesteadyincreaseinriceproduction ,thecountryremainedanetriceim porter .In 2 0 0 1,palay (paddy) productioninthecountryhit 12 95Mmtoraround 9 11Mmtofrice .However,inthes…

Rice R & D Thrusts in the Philippines

The Philippine government recognizes the crucial role that research, development and extension play in achieving food security. PhiRice is mandated to be the lead implementing and coordinating agency for all rice R&D activities in the Philippines. The institute's activities focus on four core goals of increasing productivity, enhancing profitability, promoting sustainability of rice framing, and capacity enhancement of farmers. PhiRice implements major R&D programs on hybrid rice, transplanted irrigated lowland rice, direct-seeded rice, rice based farming systems for fragile environments, rice and rice based products, policy research and advocacy, and technology promotion. Major R&D thrusts are the development and promotion of appropriate technologies, intensification of the application of cutting-edge technologies such as biotechnology, strengthening of the manpower and facilities of the national rice R&D network, and building of a national rice information system. Recently, PhiRice has also been tasked to lead the implementation of a national hybrid rice program that targets 135,000 hectares to be planted to hybrid rice in 2002, 200,000 in 2003, and 300,000 in 2004.