EL SALVADOR CITY, Misamis Oriental (PIA) — The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) recently held a training session for 30 agricultural extension workers (AEW) on inbred rice seed production and certification for potential seed inspectors needed to maintain the quality of rice seeds in the Philippines at the Farmers Training Center (FTC), Central Mindanao University (CMU), Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon. 

“Participants are targeted to recognize the latest policies and guidelines in rice seed certification, describe and distinguish the latest National Seed Industry Council (NSIC) rice-approved varieties, explain and demonstrate different techniques on field inspection, and define the certification scheme for inbred rice seed production,” ATI-10 Center Director Maria Lydia Echavez said. 

The shortage of qualified seed inspectors in the region has posed challenges to the inspection process, potentially jeopardizing seed quality. However, the training aimed to address this issue by equipping participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to uphold seed quality standards effectively, Echavez added.

The five-day training program exposed participants to lectures, discussions, and field activities aimed at enhancing their understanding of various aspects related to rice seed production and certification. Topics covered included understanding the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), seed production, seed certification, varietal selection, seed health, and field inspection techniques, among others.

“Being a seed inspector is a very tough and exciting role. This role may be an additional workload, but the impact of being a seed inspector echoes throughout the life of not just the seed grower but the whole country," one of the participants said. 

He added that even if it is not easy to engage in seed production and being a seed inspector, it is necessary to produce quality seeds for the farmers. "We have to have dedication in our work," he said.  

With the rigid training that the AEWs had, Echavez said their roles as seed inspectors are integral to ensuring that Filipino farmers have access to high-quality rice seeds, ultimately contributing to improving agricultural productivity and enhancing competitiveness in the rice sector to support the livelihoods of rice farmers in the country. (RTP/ATI-10/PIA-10)