THE Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PHILRICE) ramped up its efforts to mitigate the risk of El Niño by distributing over 446 sacks of in-bred rice seeds to farmers in Candelaria, Quezon, through the Binhi e-Padala system.
Farmer-beneficiaries of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) program in the town claimed their seeds after getting a text message that indicated their name, allocation, pick-up point, and assigned schedule.
Also known as the RCEF-Seed Program, the Binhi e-Padala system gives farmers the freedom to choose from a selection of at least three preferred varieties based on national and regional type of crop species. This flexibility empowers them to make informed decisions about the types of seeds they plant and how much human capital is needed for a productive harvest.
Priscila Vergara, a beneficiary of the Binhi e-Padala system, shared her experience, noting that this was her third time availing of the service.
“The [Binhi] e-Padala system made the distribution of rice seeds faster and allows me to obtain the seeds in just a few minutes compared to the previous system of congestion delays.”
Through the integration of digital technology, the Binhi e-Padala system significantly streamlined, enhanched both efficiency and speed the process of seed acquisition. With farmers already pre-registered, the need for lengthy queues has been eliminated, providing a seamless and expedited experience. (DA-PhilRice Los Baños/FB Page)
According to PhilRice, the Binhi e-Padala system utilizes financial technology to streamline processes, which shows how technology can be maximized to address challenges in traditional sectors, making agricultural practices more efficient and farmer-friendly.
The system, which was established in 2021 as a crucial component of the Rice Tariffication Law, continues to supports farmers nationwide by distributing seeds, organizing free trainings, access to machinery, and low-interest credit which forms a holistic approach to agricultural development.
By embracing digital solutions, the Binhi e-Padala system propels farmers towards sustainable and competitive agricultural practices on the global stage. (MBL/PIA-4A; with reports from DA-PhilRice)
