Addressing the need for high-quality seeds in remote areas, the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP) has started training farmers in Region 2 and CAR since January.

The training, which covers inbred rice seed multiplication and purification, is being conducted to rice growers in Manabo and La Paz in Abra and in the coastal area of Dinapigue, Isabela.

“One of our problems in farming is the high cost of commercial rice seeds. As many of us cannot afford this, we use the seeds from our last harvest,” said Bambita Bolesa, one of the farmer-cooperators and training participants.

Following the IATF protocol, an initial of 15 participants from each municipality are taught on producing high-quality inbred rice seeds.

Andres dela Cruz, RCEF Coordinator of DA-PhilRice Isabela said the participants are also honed to be seed producers supplying the requirements in their area and nearby provinces.

Municipalities were selected based on distance, availability of seeds, and mode of transportation of seeds.