To expand access to hybrid rice seeds in Mindanao, 21 seed growers from Digos City, Davao del Sur are currently undergoing a season-long training on hybrid rice seed production and certification.

The seed growers are trained on three-line and two-line systems and cultural management and practices.

“This training, which started this month and will end on Feb. 8 next year, complements the Administrative Order No. 9 series of 2021 or the Local Rice Seed Production Policy of the Department of Agriculture. We hope to expand and develop the hybrid rice seed production in the country by 80% in 2025,” Dr. Fidel M. Ramos, hybrid rice expert, said.

The season-long activity is conducted in Digos City every Wednesday through blended learning—via Zoom and field practicum and facilitated by the Bureau of Plant Industry-National Seed Quality Control Services Division, DA-Regional Field Office, Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center 11, and DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute.

More than 150 farmers and seed growers across the country were already trained on producing high-quality hybrid rice.