BANAYBANAY, Davao Oriental (PIA) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Davao region is ramping up its efforts to promote locally-produced hybrid rice seeds as a sustainable solution to improve rice productivity in the region.
During the first harvest festival for locally-produced hybrid rice seeds in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental, DA Davao, together with the Philippine Rice Board, the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental, and the Municipal Government of Banaybanay, brought together various stakeholders to discuss strategies to enhance rice production, address challenges, and explore new market opportunities for hybrid rice products.
In his message, Director-Designate for Rice Clustering and Consolidation under the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program Emerson Yago emphasized the need to utilize locally-produced hybrid rice seeds to reduce the country’s dependency on imported seeds.
“This development ensures that our rice farmers have access to quality seeds that are tailored to our local conditions,” Yago explained.
DA-Davao regional executive director Macario Gonzaga highlighted the importance of innovation, development of local seed production, and outlook for the future where agriculture drives growth to uplift the lives of Filipino farmers.
DA targets a significant shift in hybrid seed sourcing—from 60 percent imported and 40 percent local in 2024 to 60 percent locally produced and 40 percent imported this year.
In the Davao region, 2,024 hectares have been planted with hybrid rice during the dry season, with 1,737 hectares located in Davao Oriental—notably in the municipalities of Banaybanay and Lupon, which have become leaders in local hybrid rice seed production.
Meanwhile, in his message, Banaybanay Municipal Mayor Lemuel Ian Larcia highlighted that “when we invest in a science-based approach, support our local farmers, and believe in the capacity of our own people – we harvest not just rice but hope and progress.”
Grounded in DA’s Administrative Order No. 9, which highlights the importance of promoting hybrid rice production and supporting local seed production to strengthen the agricultural industry, the agriculture department continues to advocate for the widespread adoption of locally-produced hybrid rice seeds.
As emphasized in the administrative order, prioritizing hybrid rice seed production is key to improving productivity, enhancing disease resistance, and increasing resilience in local rice farming communities.
The harvest festival also featured 11 participating seed companies, showcasing their respective hybrid rice varieties. (ASO/PIA Davao Oriental with reports from DA Davao)
