MMSU President’s Farm showcases 8 rice varieties
By Joycel Lagrio, STRATCOM Correspondent
Eight rice varieties under wet season conditions were showcased during the President’s Farm Field Day: A Technology Showcase, spearheaded by the Extension Directorate of MMSU on October 28, in front of the College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development (CAFSD).
The Field Day aimed to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to observe, compare, and evaluate the characteristics of rice varieties adaptable under wet season conditions, advancing technology promotion and strengthening partnerships.
The eight rice varieties showcased include four newly released by PhilRice, two for saline and rainfed conditions, and two classified as public hybrids. These were NSIC Rc 634 (Tubigan 54), Rc 636 (Tubigan 55), Rc 670 (Tubigan 56), Rc 672 (Tubigan 57), Rc 204H (Mestiso 20), Rc 686 (Salinas 39), Rc 650 (Sahod Ulan 36), and Rc 222 (Tubigan 18).
The event, attended by members of the MMSU Board of Regents, Administrative Council, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Agronomy students, farmers, farmer-leaders, and agricultural technicians from various local government units of Ilocos Norte, started with a farm walk that allowed participants to observe the actual crop stand of the eight rice varieties demonstrated. Participants were also given the chance to interact with researchers and rice specialists from MMSU and PhilRice.
Dr. Manzano emphasized the importance of addressing postharvest losses and enhancing value-adding efforts, stating that President Marcos’ vision of ₱20 per kilogram of rice is attainable.
“The issue is not on production, but on improving the whole value chain after harvest. MMSU should focus on technologies for drying, processing, and value-adding,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Dr. Marlowe Aquino, Extension Director, emphasized that the President’s Farm continues to serve as a demonstration site for rice technology innovations, a program initiated during the leadership of former MMSU President, now CHED Commissioner Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, and now being sustained by President Manzano.
“These rice varieties come with a package of technologies. We are all rice eaters, and by supporting our rice farmers, we help strengthen the nation’s food security. The responsibility does not rest on MMSU Extension alone but on all of us who support the country’s rice industry,” Dr. Aquino said.
Representing PhilRice-Batac Branch Manager Mary Ann Baradi, Ms. Sonia Pojas, Senior Science Specialist, expressed appreciation for MMSU’s active collaboration in the promotion of agricultural research and innovations, noting the importance of the said activity to farmers choosing the best rice variety suited to their areas.
The Field Day also featured former MMSU President and PhilRice Executive Director Dr. Santiago R. Obien, who emphasized the need to sustain varietal evaluation and technology dissemination to improve productivity and income among Filipino rice farmers.
An open forum provided a platform for farmers and students to share their observations and suggestions for varietal adoption. Participants also received Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials on the featured rice varieties to support knowledge dissemination and on-farm application. The activity concluded with the recitation of the “Be Responsible Pledge,” reinforcing a shared commitment to sustainable and science-based rice production.
Nov, 04, 2025 02:01:pm
Written By:
STRATCOM
