New rice technology increases yield by 24% in Cagayan
- July 13, 2016
- Benjie S. De Yro
The supplement is a liquid plant food with macro and micro and phytohormones properties. The 300 milliliters liquid mixed with 16 liters of water per hectare is thus applied thrice, at 15 days intervals, on the field for direct seeded seedlings. Carrageenan is extracted from red edible seaweed and commonly used as food additive.
Scientists at the DOST-affiliate institution, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute. Department of Agriculture and the National Crop Protection Center discovered that modifying carrageenan through irradiation can bolster plant growth and development.
A report from DOST-Cagayan said farmers tilling a pilot area of 359.46 hectares got an average yield increase of 24.81 percent from 100.89 cavans per hectare the previous harvest season to 125.93 cavans at present.
Josefina Talang, an adoptor from San Roque, Penablanca said her yield increased from 130 cavans per hectare to 175 cavans. “Even the weight per cavan increased from 40 kilos to 50 kilos,” Talang told farmers of Cagayan and Apayao during yesterday’s Forum on Carrageenan technology held here.Abella said the province is expected to introduce the technology to some 8,000 hectares of rice lands after the initial 359.46 hectares.
Filipino scientists have found out that carrageenan extracts given as foliar fertilizer strengthens the rice plant, improve plant nutrient absorption and increase population of friendly insects.
Meanwhile, DOST Director Sancho Mabborang urged the farmers to abreast themselves of technology offered by the government as he deplored the Filipinos penchant for imported technology.He said the importation of technology can result to higher production cost which render the country uncompetitive.
The forum here is part of the 2016 provincial science and technology week celebration led by Dr. Teresita Tabaog, provincial director and DOST Assistant Regional Director for Operations. (ALM/BSY/PIA-2 Cagayan)
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2791468376521/new-rice-technology-increases-yield-by-24-in-cagayan
Rice expert Saman passes away
The Nation July 13, 2016 10:55 pm
Saman Ophaswongse, the permanent honorable
president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association and president to Por Tek Tung
Foundation, passed away on July 8 at the age of 95 years old.
He was one of the key persons in the Thai rice
industry.
Saman served as the president to the rice
association for 18 years. Under his guidance, Thailand built itself to become
the world’s largest rice exporter.
His son, Chookiat Ophaswongse, is now the
honorary president of the association.Saman’s funeral ceremony takes place at
Debsirin Temple until July 14http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Rice-expert-Saman-passes-away-30290545.html
Myanmar rice to enter Philippine market
03:02 PM July 13th, 2016
INQUIRER.net PHOTO
The
Philippines has offered to buy Myanmar rice through a government-to-government
channel, according to the commerce ministry.Khin Maung Lwin, the assistant
secretary of the commerce ministry, said: “The Philippines contacted the
Myanmar embassy there requesting to buy rice from Myanmar. Normally, the
Philippines imports rice from Vietnam. It can be said that we may overtake Vietnam
if [the deal] materializes.”Indonesia has also offered to buy 300,000 tons of rice from Myanmar. The two governments will sign a contract soon, according to the Myanmar Rice Federation. In early 2016, Myanmar’s first-ever rice exports to Indonesia faced difficulties due to pest infestation.
The government’s plan to export rice aims to expand the country’s rice market. Respective organizations and companies will continue to coordinate rice exports. The country is making efforts to export rice to new markets in addition to neighboring countries, the EU and Africa.
In the 2016-2017 fiscal year, Myanmar has earned more than US$86 million from the export of over 254,000 tons of rice and broken rice
Rice Prices
-07-2016 12:23:44 PMArrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in domestic market.
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cumulative |
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Rice
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Chandabali(Ori)
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85.00
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NC
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1693.00
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1800
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1400
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12.50
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Pandua(WB)
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45.00
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-6.25
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2790.00
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2800
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2700
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16.67
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Beldanga(WB)
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40.00
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-4.76
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2309.00
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2350
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2350
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2.17
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Balugaon(Ori)
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30.00
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NC
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394.00
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3200
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3200
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10.34
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Rampur(UP)
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22.50
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7.14
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892.00
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2360
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2350
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11.58
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Robertsganj(UP)
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20.00
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-6.98
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553.00
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1940
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1910
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4.30
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Kaliaganj(WB)
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14.00
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40
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828.00
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2550
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2550
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2.00
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Bankura Sadar(WB)
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11.00
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NC
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147.00
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2220
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2200
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-
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Cherthalai(Ker)
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10.00
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42.86
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371.00
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2100
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2150
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-16.00
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Alappuzha(Ker)
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10.00
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NC
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130.00
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4200
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4250
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12.00
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Bampada(Ori)
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10.00
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NC
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250.00
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2600
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2500
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4.00
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Dibrugarh(ASM)
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9.90
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120
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1347.60
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2450
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2450
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-
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Muradabad(UP)
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9.00
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-5.26
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556.20
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2400
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2400
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17.07
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North Lakhimpur(ASM)
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8.40
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9.09
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1651.70
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1900
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1900
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-
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Mirzapur(UP)
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8.00
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-11.11
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1439.10
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1980
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1985
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0.25
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Raiganj(WB)
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7.00
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-6.67
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966.00
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2550
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2550
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-1.92
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Chengannur(Ker)
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4.00
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-42.86
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655.00
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2500
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2300
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NC
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Khatauli(UP)
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1.50
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50
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32.50
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2280
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2170
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7.55
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Rahama(Ori)
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1.20
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-25
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57.06
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2300
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2300
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NC
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Kasipur(WB)
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1.20
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NC
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42.20
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2400
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2280
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9.09
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Aroor(Ker)
|
1.00
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-50
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184.70
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7300
|
7300
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-9.88
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http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/article8848629.ece
Demand Grows for Organic Rice
As the demand for organic rice in European and United States markets keeps growing, many local rice millers and exporters are moving quickly and signing contract farming deals to supply them with the premium product.Sung Saran, the CEO of Amru Rice (Cambodia), a leading rice miller and exporter, has been exporting organic rice to the European market since 2013 and told Khmer Times yesterday that his company signed contracts with 12 agriculture cooperatives on July 11 in Preah Vihear province.Agro Angkor, a subsidiary of Amru Rice, signed contracts on July 12 with six cooperatives in the same province, a move aimed at boosting exports while market demand rises.Mr. Saran said both companies had signed deals with a total of 18 cooperatives from seven districts in 20 communes in Preah Vihear. The contract farming deals signed were to supply 5,000 tons of organic white rice and 4,000 tons of organic jasmine rice.“The contract farming deals cover the seasonal crops in 2016 and 2017. The price is guaranteed to be the market price plus a premium of 10 to 25 percent, depending on the quality,” he said.
“Amru will provide support to cooperatives in export promotion, branding, investment security and support farmers with machinery, audit certification and certification of organic quality standards.”
There are higher profit margins in the export of organic rice, with prices more stable than non-organic rice in the marketplace. The average price per kilogram for organic rice is 1,650 riel ($0.41), 50 percent more than the 1,100 riel per kilogram for non-organic ones.
Mr. Saran said his company exported about 900 tons of milled organic and brown organic rice last year and planned to export approximately 3,000 tons of milled organic and brown organic rice this year. He added that he hopes exports will rise two-fold next year to 6,000 tons of milled organic and brown organic rice.Poeung Tryda, the director of agriculture at Preah Vihear, said the province had three private rice millers working with contract farmers of organic rice. He said his department was acting as the coordinator between the companies and cooperatives to help them and the farmers set up cooperatives, to structure their work and their farming techniques to comply with organic standards.
“We are happy to see that private companies are coming to work with the farmers – this is complying with ministry policy of having more markets for the farmers, especially with contract farming as it guarantees the price for the farmers. That’s a good move and we are open to other companies,” Mr. Tryda said.
Mr. Tryda said his province has about 8,770 hectares of organic rice being farmed and is able to produce about 2.7 tons per hectare. Last year, he said, the province had a surplus of 139,000 tons for export.Chan Sokheang, the Chairman of Signatures of Asia, another local rice miller and exporter, told Khmer Times yesterday that his company was in talks and close to reaching an agreement with a few cooperatives in Preah Vihear province. “We plan to sign with two or three cooperatives and now we are at the stage of discussions and preparations to reach an agreement,” Mr. Sokheang said.
He said that of the three cooperatives in Preah Vihear he is working with, two could have the potential to meet his company’s requirements.
“My companies only produce and export organic white grain rice, while some of those cooperatives have organic fragrant rice. I think we cannot start to work on this project this year, but we are speeding things up to get contracts with them within this year and then we can start next year to change the type of rice grown,” he said.“Now we see that demand in Europe is increasing very much and they even gave a big order to my company, but I do not have enough to supply them. That’s why we are working directly with farmers now.” Mr. Sokheang, added that when the deals are signed, his company can produce between 2,000 and 3,000 tons of organic rice per year.
He said that apart from Preah Vihear province, his company has also been studying Siem Reap, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Pursat, Kampong Speu, Koh Kong and Stung Treng provinces.
Ieng Sophalet, a spokesman at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, told Khmer Times in May that contract farming was one way of boosting farmers’ incomes.
“Many farmers only have a landlord, and some of them don’t have the capital to buy things like fertilizer and seeds, but with contact farming they receive a budget to buy seeds and fertilizer,” he said.“Importantly, when their products are harvested, the farmers already have a market for their products. Contract farming is a win-win policy for farmers and traders.”Mr. Sophalet said the agriculture ministry is encouraging all farmers to consider contract farming
http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/27204/demand-grows-for-organic-rice/
Farmers urged to plant more OPV rice
by Zac Sarian
July 13, 2016
July 13, 2016
MOST POPULAR OPV – This is about the most
popular open-pollinated variety or inbred rice that has been certified by the
National Seed Industry Council as NSIC Rc222. Aside from being high-yielding,
it has a high milling and head rice recovery. The grains are slender with good
eating quality.A private agricultural researcher is urging more farmers to plant
the improved open-pollinated rice varieties (OPVs), especially those who cannot
afford the high cost of hybrid seeds.
Alfonso
G. Puyat, who has been doing a lot of research on plant growth accelerators and
other aspects of agricultural production, says that the Philippine Rice
Research Institute (PhilRice) has already developed a number of open-pollinated
varieties that are high-yielding and have been certified for commercial
planting by National Seed Industry Council (NSIC).These include RC 222 which is adapted for planting all over the country both in the wet and dry seasons. It has a certified yield of 6.8 tons per hectare during the wet season and 5.8 tons per hectare during the dry season. It has consistently good performance under transplanted or direct wet-seeded crop.
The yield is comparable to the yield of hybrid rice varieties. One saleable hybrid variety is SL-8 with certified yield of 5.9 tons per hectare during the dry season and 5.8 tons during the wet season. Another is Bigante with certified yield of 5.6 tons per hectare for both wet and dry seasons.
Aside from being a high-yielder, RC 222 is also prized for its good eating quality, good milling and head rice recovery. It is claimed to be resistant to pests and diseases.
Two other OPVs developed by PhilRice and certified by NSIC are RC 216 and RC 236. Both can yield also more than 100 cavans per hectare, and RC 216 is said to have excellent eating quality.
Puyat notes, however, that NSIC 222 is the most reliable of the OPVs. It is also the favorite of seed growers. In 2015, there were 1,728 seed producers of certified OPVs whose production was able to plant 14,821 hectares. On the other hand, producers of hybrid seeds number only eight companies whose local seed production was 94,000 18-kg bags enough to plant 95,000 hectares. Hybrid seeds had to be imported to meet the demand by the farmers.
The farmers with limited funds can better afford the OPV seeds because one kilo costs only about R30 whereas the hybrid seed costs R300 per kilo. Puyat notes that OPV seeds are much easier to produce because one hectare can yield an average of five tons per hectare. On the other hand, hybrid seed producers can only make an average of one ton per hectare. It is much more expensive and difficult to produce hybrid seeds, hence the high cost that the farmers have to pay.
One advantage of the OPV is that the farmer does not have to buy his seeds for subsequent plantings because he can set aside his requirement from his own harvest.
Puyat estimates that the Philippines can achieve rice sufficiency if all the rice areas can produce at least 100 cavans of palay per hectare. And this goal can be achieved at a lesser cost to farmers if they plant the OPVs.
ANOTHER OPV – In the meantime, we came across another OPV that also yields high, albeit not certified by the NSIC. This is the RJC 75 which matures in just 75 days after transplanting 25-day-old seedlings.
This is the story. In 2012, Ricarte J. Corpuz of Laoag City was given three kilos of rice seed of a variety that was discarded by PhilRice breeders. It was produced by PhilRice but it was not one that they would recommend for commercial planting.
Anyway, Corpuz got it and planted it in his farm. To his great satisfaction, the three kilos yielded 28 cavans of 50 kilos each. That is 1.4 tons. He subsequently planted it twice a year in his farm and all the more he was convinced that the rice discard is a big winner. From one hectare during his last planting, he got 245 cavans per hectare, equivalent to 12.25 tons. That’s as high as the yield of Bigante, a hybrid rice that he planted in his other one-hectare property.
What’s more, the plants are very sturdy. When a strong typhoon hit Laoag, the plants were toppled but on the third day, they were up again. On top of that, the eating quality is very good. It is smooth and soft. And since it is an open pollinated cultivar, the farmer can save his planting material from his own harvest.
Corpuz named his OPV rice as RJC 75 which stands for Ricarte J. Corpuz rice that matures in 75 days after transplanting 25-day-old seedlings. Since it is early maturing, it has a shorter exposure to bad weather compared to other varieties. Corpuz, 68, was a Gawad Saka awardee in 2012 with a cash prize of R150,000
Read more at http://www.mb.com.ph/farmers-urged-to-plant-more-opv-rice/#YZVXctyVoIOq9cQj.99
07/13/2016 Farm Bureau Market Report
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Rice Comment
Rice futures again traded in a narrow range,
ending higher amid light volume. The WASDE report showed mostly offsetting
changes, but 16-17 ending stocks are projected at their highest level since
85-86 thanks to large increases in California medium grain stocks. The all rice
on farm average price was lowered, again a result of lower prices in
California. September has bounced off support near $10.25, and is attempting to
work higher, with the next upside target at last week’s high
of $10.94 ½.
U.S. and Iraq Sign Rice MOU
BAGHDAD, IRAQ - This morning U.S.
Ambassador to Iraq Stuart Jones signed a Memorandum of Understanding with
Iraq's Trade Minister Salman al-Jumayli that provides new opportunities for
U.S. rice to be purchased for the food ration system here.
Under the agreement, the government
of Iraq will enter into two three-month supply contracts with U.S. rice
suppliers. The Ministry of Trade will save money by purchasing
competitively-priced U.S. rice and will be able to count on reliable
deliveries. In addition, the U.S. embassy will supply technical
assistance to the Ministry on U.S. rice industry standards, export technology,
and pricing methods.
"This is a win for both the
United States and Iraq," Ambassador Jones said. "This agreement
establishes the U.S. as a preferred rice supplier for major tenders for the
food distribution system. We have been working closely with the USA Rice
Federation to break into the Iraqi market, and I am pleased that USA Rice's
representative attended today's signing ceremony."
"This is quite gratifying
after the tremendous amount of work that has gone into this on both sides of
the Atlantic," said Betsy Ward, president & CEO of USA Rice.
"Ambassador Jones and his staff have been excellent advocates for U.S.
rice, and at home Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Congressman Rick Crawford
(R-AR), Congressman Charles Boustany (R-LA), Congressman Jason Smith (R-MO),
and others helped us keep a focus on this critical market as we faced setbacks
here last year. We appreciate all they've done for our industry and look
forward to regular shipments of U.S. rice going to the people of Iraq."
SPCC Comes Around Again
WASHINGTON, DC -- EPA's Spill
Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Rule for Farms is back in the
works again.
Originally finalized several years
ago, Congress used the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) in 2014 to
mandate a higher exemption threshold of 6,000 gallons from the original 1,320
gallons.
Unfortunately WRDA also contained a
provision that threw it back to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to
conduct a study and then propose a new exemption between 2,500 and 6,000
gallons. EPA published their study in June 2015 and is setting the new
exemption level at the minimum mandated by Congress of 2,500 gallons in a rule
that is expected to see interagency review this summer, followed by
publication.
In response, Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR) included an
amendment in the Interior-Environment appropriations bill to solve this issue
by prohibiting the EPA from enforcing or implementing the SPCC regulation for
farms. Amendment 70, as it is called, passed by voice vote late last
night. USA Rice is supporting Congressman Crawford in this effort.
To spike disputes, centre bans export of rice without price settlement
After a sharp fall in basmati rice exports realisation since FY14, the government has decided to ban the business practice of Documents against Acceptance...
By: Sandip Das | Published:
July 12, 2016 6:10 AM
After a sharp fall in basmati rice exports
realisation since FY14, the government has decided to ban the business practice
of Documents against Acceptance (DA) where the rice consignments are shipped
without settlement of prices, often leading to disputes between exporters and
importers.Sources told FE that following representation from the All India Rice
Exporters’ Association (AIREA), the commerce ministry has forwarded its
proposal of banning DA in rice exports trade from October 2016 onwards to
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), which would issue a formal
notification shortly.In a fiercely competitive basmati rice exports trade,
small players in order to increase the volume of shipment often send rice
consignment to importers who use this unsecure credit to their advantage.According
to Vijay Setia, former president of AIREA and also a leading basmati rice
exporter, because of DA, the rice trade has become buyers market; often
consignments are not lifted from the port by importer and thus, the price had
to be renegotiated.
“We have been demanding a curb on DA since the
last couple of years as it was pulling down price realisation from basmati rice
export, thus hitting the farmers’ income as well,” Setia told FE.Official
sources said because of the practice of DA mostly carried out by small
exporters, the country’s basmati rice shipment has seen a 29% fall to R22,718
crore in FY16 from a record R29,299 crore reported in FY14. However, the volume
of basmati rice exports has risen from 3.7 million tonne (MT) to more than 4
MT.
According to an AIREA official, other rice exporting countries such as Pakistan, Vietnam and Thailand do not allow DA transaction.Basmati rice exporters agree that the government was initially reluctant to intervene in a commercial transaction between importer and exporter of rice. However, with the realisation from the premium agricultural products like basmati rice shrinking sharply, hitting overall agricultural product exports from the country, the commerce ministry has agreed to ban the practice of DA.
“With a ban on DA transactions many unhealthy
practices in the industry will stop and prices realisation will rise,” Kuber
Seth, director, DCP India, which exports basmati rice with ‘Asbah’ brand name.
Trade sources said the bigger sized basmati rice exporters at present use the
system of ‘letter of credit’ where the importers instruct their bank to pay exporters
as per the specified conditions mentioned in the original documentary credit.
Commerce ministry sources said the average
realisation from basmati exports has fallen from $1,295 per tonne in FY14 to
around $850 a tonne in FY16 while for non-basmati rice, the fall was to $350
per tonne in the last fiscal from around $450 per tonne two years earlier.India
has around 85% share in the global basmati rice exports while the rest is
contributed by Pakistan. The countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and United
Arab Emirates (UAE) are the biggest destination for the country’s aromatic and
long grain rice
Loyant rice herbicide showcases set for July 18, 19
Norsworthy: PPO-resistant pigweed plots a hot
tour
Jul 12, 2016 | Delta
Farm Press
- Loyant showcases opportunity for rice farmers to see product in action.
- Loyant to be fully launched in 2018.
“That’s probably the most tours I’ve ever given at any one location,” says the University of Arkansas weed scientist. “This plot is in Crittenden County and there will be another three or four groups coming through in the next few days. Friday afternoon we’ll put a disk in the field before these pigweeds set seed.”
Many of the tours were given “for guys in the industry. They’ve come from around here as well as other countries to see and understand PPO-resistant pigweed – as far away as Brazil and Argentina. I’ve hosted chemical companies, seed companies, farmers, and consultants from across the U.S.
“They’re all wanting to know what the solution is. What works? What doesn’t work? What’s the path forward? What does Liberty and dicamba look like on pigweed? What residual herbicides will work or not? How big a pigweed can we kill if it’s PPO-resistant?”
Some of the visitors from the Midwest are “really alarmed” by the plots. “The PPO resistance they have in (Midwest) waterhemp still allows for effective use of many PPO pre-emerge herbicides. That is not the case on our pigweed – we see very little activity with PPO’s applied pre-emerge or post-emerge.
“Honestly, in these plots – along with (university colleagues) Tom Barber’s and Bob Scott’s at other sites in the state – we’re one herbicide away from not being able to grow a soybean crop. Now, that’s scary.”
On the July 18 and 19, Norsworthy will transition from touring pigweed in soybean to touring many of the troublesome weeds of rice “along with an exciting solution.” On those days, showcases of Dow AgroSciences’ Loyant Rice Herbicide Technology will take place. On July 18, the first showcase will be held at the Northeast Research and Extension Center in Keiser, Ark. On July 19, the showcase will shift south to the Rice Research and Extension Center near Stuttgart, Ark.
Both events begin at 4 p.m. and will conclude with supper beginning at 6 p.m. Tours will be led by Norsworthy and Bob Scott. Farmers and consultants will have the opportunity to learn about Dow AgroSciences’ upcoming rice technology, Loyant herbicide with Rinskor active. Loyant launch is expected in 2018, so this is a good opportunity for farmers and consultants to see the technology in advance.
Topics will include Loyant’s fit in an Arkansas rice program, its activity on resistant grasses, tank-mixes, efficacy, application timing, and symptomology. Attendees will be walking through the plots to witness the herbicide activity, so don’t forget your rice boots!
Registration is not required but is preferred to allow a better estimate for supper. You can register at www.cvent.com/d/kfq6jh/4W or by contacting either Norsworthy at (479)313-1265 or jnorswor@uark.edu or Darla Huff at (317) 337-5105 or dbhuff@dow.com.
“I’m excited about this herbicide because it’s definitely a tool that will help us with our fight against resistant weeds,” says Norsworthy. “It should really help with resistant barnyardgrass and ALS-resistant flatsedge. Growers will be able to see all that and ask questions.”
http://deltafarmpress.com/rice/loyant-rice-herbicide-showcases-set-july-18-19
PhilRice launches 'PalaYamaNayon' project
- July 12, 2016
- By Merlito G. Edale Jr.
The project was launched recently at PhilRice – Isabela research station attended by agriculture officials.Duran said to address the problem in rice productivity, the farmers' mindsets must be changed from being mere rice producer to agripreneurs.
Andres Dela Cruz, PhilRice – Isabela Research and Development Coordinator, said they have started to develop a model farm community adopting the Palayamanan Plus system at Brgy. San Juan in Quirino last year.Dela Cruz said the project is a rice-based enterprise with the principle of diversification (maximum use of farm space), intensification (maximum use of time), and integration (farm resource and zero-waste management).
He said aside from growing rice, various rice-based enterprises such as mushroom and vermiculture production were being introduced and developed to boost the income of rice farmers in the area.
Dela Cruz said the project ensures that the current rice technologies would be translated into better income for the farmers.
“The transformation will only be possible through concerted effort from various stakeholders aside from agriculture-related offices/agencies, such as Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), National Government Organization and farmers’ cooperative,” said Duran. (ALM/MGE/PIA-2Isabela
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/481468282820/philrice-launches-palayamanayon-project#sthash.fvWMMxtP.dpuf
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/481468282820/philrice-launches-palayamanayon-project
Nobel Laureates Plead with Greenpeace to Drop Opposition to GMOs
July 12, 2016
A group
of more than 100 Nobel Laureates have publicly
declared Greenpeace’s anti-GMO campaign a crime against humanity.
These men and women say the science is clear -- the world needs GMOs, and
objecting to the production of genetically modified foods both denies
scientific evidence and exacerbates the suffering of the world’s poor.Organized by Precision Agriculture, a pro-GMO advocacy group, the Nobel winning scientists demonstrated their support last month by signing a letter addressed to Greenpeace leaders. In it they implore the environmental group to abandon their position on genetically modified foods, hoping to end the misinformation and confusion perpetuated by Greenpeace.
The letter specifically focused on Golden Rice, a genetically modified strain of rice that has the ability to eliminate Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in Southeast Asia and Africa. Precision Agriculture states that UNICEF estimates there are one to two million preventable deaths due to VAD annually and the World Health Organization reports 40 percent of children under five in the developing world suffer from VAD, making Golden Rice an invaluable source of nutrients. Yet, Greenpeace and other regulatory agencies have protested its production and distribution.
“We call upon Greenpeace to cease and desist in its campaign against Golden Rice specifically, and crops and foods improved through biotechnology in general,” the laureates write.
Richard Roberts, the molecular biologist who spearheaded the campaign, said that mankind has been modifying food for centuries, and modern GMOs are only a continuation of this process. The letter urged Greenpeace to “re-examine the experience of farmers and consumers worldwide” to recognize that biotechnology is safely improving seeds, crops and farming's environmental impact.
The written support of these 107 Nobel winners, the vast majority of their prizes awarded in chemistry, medicine and physics, should not come as a surprise. Hundreds of scientists and humanitarians have welcomed and advocated for the use of genetic modification for decades.
As awareness surrounding this issue grows, religious groups have entered the conversation, debating the use of genetic modification from a theological perspective. A number of liberal and progressive churches have voiced their opposition to the use of GMOs, often claiming that genetic engineering disrespects God’s wisdom and design for the sake of commercial gain.
Greenpeace quickly released a response to Precision Agriculture’s letter. The group said “accusations that anyone is blocking genetically engineered ‘Golden’ rice are false. ‘Golden’ rice has failed as a solution and isn’t currently for sale.” In its statement, Greenpeace blames corporations for “overhyping Golden rice” and claims that the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has not proven that this rice actually addresses VAD. Yet, the IRRI released its own statement applauding the Nobel laureates, explaining the potential of Golden Rice and reporting that the rice will indeed be released to certain countries after regulatory approvals are secured.
Golden Rice is only one example of a crop that dramatically improves human life through the use of genetic technology. Researchers have developed GMOs that can overcome drought, flooding, disease, and resist insect contamination. These conditions are most harshly experienced in impoverished areas of the world, and for decades have left many without the ability to feed their families or participate in simple agricultural trade. Not only does modern technology allow farmers to overcome these circumstances, but scientific evidence has proven that the use of GMOs has environmental benefits such as reducing carbon emissions and the use of pesticides, as well as requiring far less land than older techniques.
With such promising advances in farming, why do so many groups disapprove? As Precision Agriculture points out, opposition is often based on “emotion and dogma contradicted by data.” Greenpeace and other anti-GMO organizations operate from ideologies that value keeping our world “natural” more than they value human dignity and life. The organic food industry also has powerful incentive to preserve the myth that old farming techniques are healthier, safer and better for the environment than drastically less expensive GM products. Unfortunately, their multi-billion dollar fear-mongering campaigns perpetuate hunger and poverty.
Resistance to GMOs is not always liberal or politicized though. Joel Salatin, self-described “Christian-libertarian-environmentalist-capitalist-lunatic-Farmer,” spoke about sustainable farming and genetically modified foods in his plenary address at Acton University 2015. Salatin worries about the ability to patent GM products, saying it implies owning the “genetic code of life itself.” He said that biotechnology treats creation as if it was some sort of human invention and might ignore the boundaries God has given us.
In addition, Salatin is concerned with the property rights violations that result from GM crops contaminating neighboring fields, which overpower organic crops like his own. Salatin is certain there are better “creation, stewardship honoring” counterpart solutions to every one of the farming problems we solve with industrial mechanisms. Even so, he argues that the federal government has no authority to tell us what we can and cannot eat, and would like to see consumers self-educate and localize food production.
While it is important to consider these objections, the reality of extreme poverty demands that GMOs be deemed the best, if not the only way forward in nourishing and sustaining the growing global population. Advocating for the safe production of GMOs provides Christians the chance to effectively serve the poor and relieve suffering (James 2:15). Unfortunately rhetoric tends to distract from focusing the GMO discussion on poverty and well-being.
Genetically modified products not only give disadvantaged men and women the dignity of feeding themselves and their families, but can also create jobs and lead to participation in agriculture trading networks. Simple access to genetically modified seeds has the ability to empower a community, and can result in prosperity that goes beyond farming.
As the Precision Agriculture letter expresses, it is inexcusably immoral for the relatively wealthy and extremely comfortable of our world to restrict the poorest from access to a basic human right like food. Blinded by luxury, those who stand with Greenpeace stand in the way of sustainable development and human prosperity.
http://www.acton.org/pub/commentary/2016/07/12/nobel-laureates-plead-greenpeace-drop-opposition
General Mills unveils summer 2016 new product line-up
Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. Frankly and this Station make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@franklyinc.comSOURCE General Mills, Inc.
New products meet continued consumer interest in wellness, convenience and snacking
MINNEAPOLIS, July 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- General Mills is following consumer driven food trends with its line-up of products launching this summer around the world. Many of the new products closely align with increasing consumer interest in wellness, convenience, and snacking including new Yoplait Greek 2% Whips!, Nature Valley Nut & Seed Crunchy Granola Bars, Annie's organic cereal, Old El Paso Mini Taco Boats, Totino's Pizza Sticks and Häägen-Dazs Stick Bars.
Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7857151-general-mills-new-2016-products/
The company's broad portfolio of new products can be found in its 2016 New Product Showcase, available on the General Mills corporate blog, A Taste of General Mills: http://blog.generalmills.com/2016/summer.
"We're in a period of very rapid change in the food industry. And consumers are very clear about what they want – simple ingredient lists, free from artificial colors and flavors, free from gluten, less sugar, less sodium, more convenience. This translates into very a clear set of growth opportunities for us," said Ken Powell, General Mills Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We've challenged ourselves to go out and really understand our consumers, get into their homes, shop alongside them and listen to what they want. These interactions allow us to build greater intuition, which helps us move much faster. Our new product line up demonstrates our ability to listen and respond."
To keep pace with the changing needs of consumers and to deliver new products to market faster than before, General Mills has disrupted its approach to innovation.
"In order to support the growth we've planned, we have moved toward a more entrepreneurial approach to new product development, which not only speeds innovation, but helps us put our consumers first and deliver exciting, relevant new products that meet consumer needs and drive topline growth," said Peter Erickson, executive vice president of Innovation, Technology and Quality.
One of the ways the company is doing this is through "lemonade stands," where product development teams go into business for a day with a product concept, setting up a table to interact with people – whether at a cooking school, a farmers market, a fitness center or even a traditional grocery store. Lemonade stands allow teams to more quickly test new product ideas with consumers and capture learnings earlier in the new product development process.
In many cases the company's new development processes have increased speed to market from about 24 months to less than 12 months.
Promoting Wellness
Consumers today want products that can help them on their wellness journey and seek out foods with simple ingredients, and harder working calories. They also want more protein, fiber and whole grains, products free from gluten and without artificial flavors or colors. And there is increasing interest in natural and organic foods. Wellness is among the top consumer trends General Mills is addressing this summer with products including:
- Yoplait Greek 2% Whips! - Yoplait's Greek 2% Whips! are made with 2 percent milkfat for a thicker, richer and extra creamy texture. Available in four family-pleasing flavors: Vanilla Cream, Coconut Cream, Strawberries 'n Cream and Cherries 'n Cream.
- Yoplait Petits Filous - Squeezable, smooth, on-the-go yogurt pouches made with 100 percent naturally sourced ingredients, gluten free, no artificial colors or sweeteners, no added preservatives and no fruit bits. Available in five flavors: Raspberry, Strawberry, Apricot, Banana and Vanilla. *Available in Europe.
- Nature Valley Nut & Seed Crunchy Granola Bars – Simply made with the inherent goodness of whole nuts, seeds, honey, tapioca syrup and sea salt, these naturally gluten-free bars come in two varieties: Almond, Cashew & Sea Salt, and Roasted Peanut & Honey.
- Nature Valley Chocolate Oat Bites – Chocolate Oat Bites are baked cereal squares with chocolate chunks and a light, sweet drizzle. With 10 grams of protein with milk and nearly 50 percent of the daily value of whole grains, each bite is a hearty crunch to help you power your day.
- Good Natured Soups by Progresso – This new line of delicious, hearty and flavorful vegetable soups are non-GMO, vegan and contain no preservatives from artificial sources. Available in Hearty Corn & Chipotle Chowder, Hearty Tomato with Spinach & Roasted Garlic, and Hearty Lentil with Garden Vegetables.
The food industry is experiencing a shift as the boundaries between meals and snacks are quickly fading. Snacks are no longer only eaten between meal-times; rather many consumers are eating traditional snack foods alongside a meal or as a meal replacement. And while consumers are adopting healthier lifestyles, they are still juggling busy schedules that often cut into meal preparation time.
General Mills has a long history of helping consumers solve the meal-time dilemma with convenient and tasty solutions. Some of the newest include:
- Old El Paso Mini Taco Boat Party Pack – Taco night can now be a party! Ole! Mini size taco boats are perfect for apps and entertaining and perfect for the younger crowd. The party pack will be launched in the U.S., while the original Mini Tacos will be expanded to Europe.
- Totino's Pizza Sticks – 60 seconds is all you need to cook up new Totino's Pizza Sticks. Imagine a pizza rolled up and individually wrapped for mess-free microwave prep. These sticks are bigger than a pizza roll, so they're perfect for an on-the-go snack. Available in Pepperoni and Cheese varieties.
- Parampara Dinner Kits – In Europe, consumers can enjoy restaurant quality Indian-inspired dishes at home with this new line of dinner kits in three distinctive flavors: Butter Chicken, Chicken Shahi Korma and Chicken Tikka Masala. The kits include spices, Basmati rice and chutney, so all you have to add is chicken and dinner is ready in 20 minutes.
- Good Table Freezer to Plate – This innovative new meal kit lets consumers use frozen chicken to make well-rounded, flavorful meals in a pinch. Available in Teriyaki, Lemon Garlic Herb, Southwestern and Marsala flavors.
Snacks that used to be considered special treats are becoming a bigger part of consumers' meals and traditional snacks are becoming more nutritious. Consumers are looking for harder working ingredients in their snacks, which means more nuts, fruits and seeds. The combination of these trends reveals that consumers are experiencing a "permission to indulge" on a more regular basis.
General Mills is introducing a whole host of snacks ranging from indulgent all the way to better-for-you to meet consumer's cravings regardless of the time of day or occasion, including:
- LÄRABAR™ Bites - Delicious truffle-like bites made from real food to satisfy your sweet craving! All four indulgent flavors are made from just 5-6 simple ingredients and are gluten free, non-GMO, vegan, dairy free, Kosher and made with Fair Trade Certified ingredients. Available in Chocolate Macaroon, Mint Chocolate Truffle, Double Chocolate Brownie and Cherry Chocolate Chip flavors.
- Häägen-Dazs Stick Bars – Häägen-Dazs stick bars are launching beyond France into a number of markets including the UK, Spain, Belgium, and Italy among others. Two new flavors have been added: White & Almond and Strawberries & Cream.
- Annie's Refrigerated Dough - Sweet organic treats including Cinnamon Rolls, Crescent Rolls, Flaky Biscuits, Chocolate Chunk Cookies and Vanilla Sugar Cookies all made with the goodness of Annie's ingredient promise. Products are made with unbleached flour and without artificial flavors, synthetic colors, preservatives, hydrogenated oils or high-fructose corn syrup, so families can enjoy their favorites at home without compromising great taste for quality ingredients.
- Yoki Popcorn – Yoki snackers in Brazil will have three new ready-to-eat popcorn flavors to experience including cheddar, bacon and butter. Some are first-to-market savory popcorn flavors and give consumers something more exciting than their traditional popcorn snacks.
General Mills is launching products that appeal to younger consumers and discerning tweens and teens alike that prefer differentiated products created just for them. With the introduction of Yoplait Go BIG yogurt, Nature Valley Backpacker, Yoplait Yop and Tiny Toast, the bases are covered for the whole family.
Most notable new products to hit store shelves this summer will include:
- Yoplait Go Big – Yoplait Go Big in a grip-and-rip package lets tweens and teens single-handedly crush yogurt. Go Big yogurt, in a 4-ounce wider tube, is enough to satisfy older kids' bigger appetites. Flavors include Strawberry, Mixed Berry, Peach Mango and Cherry.
- Nature Valley Backpacker - Poppable oatmeal bites that are ideal for grab-and-go. Perfect for snacking and meal time, these chewy bites bring together fun flavor and wholesome ingredients. Available in two mouth-watering flavors: Chocolate Chip and S'mores.
- Tiny Toast – The first new General Mills cereal brand in 15 years! Miniature toast shaped cereal flavored with real fruit in Strawberry and Blueberry flavors. Tiny Toast contains just 9 grams of sugar per serving with no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners.
- Yoplait Yop – In Canada, teens can enjoy Yoplait Yop drinkable yogurt now in an indulgent Chocolate variety.
- Pillsbury Hot Breakfasts – General Mills popular line of Pillsbury products are now available with no artificial flavors and no colors from artificial sources for school menus.
About General Mills
General Mills is a leading global food company that serves the world by making food people love. Its brands include Cheerios, Annie's, Yoplait, Nature Valley, Fiber One, Haagen-Dazs, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Old El Paso, Wanchai Ferry, Yoki and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, General Mills had fiscal 2016 worldwide sales of US $17.6 billion, including the company's US $1.0 billion proportionate share of joint-venture net sales
APEDA AgriExchange Newsletter - Volume 1514
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Rice diseases prevalent in rainy season
posted July 13, 2016 at 12:01 am by
Ferdie G. Domingo
SCIENCE
CITY OF MUÑOZ, Nueva Ecija—The Philippine Rice Research Institute has warned
local farmers against the presence of pests and other diseases in rice which
are more prevalent during the rainy season.Dr. Jennifer Niones, chief of the PhilRice’s crop protection division, said tungro, bacterial leaf blight (BLB) and fungal diseases such as rice blast and sheath blight are among the major rice diseases that could plague farmlands.
Niones said rice diseases are more prevalent during the rainy season as weather conditions are more conducive to disease development and severity.
She urged farmers to choose pests- and diseases-resistant modern varieties such as PSB Rc10, Rc242 and Rc 216.
“Actually, there are many modern varieties resistant to pests and diseases but these three stand out,” she said, adding early detection is the best way to prevent spread of rice diseases.
She explained that PSB Rc10 is resistant to rice blast, Rc242 against BLB and Rc 216 against green leafhopper.
“Choosing the right variety to plant that is high-yielding and adaptable to the local environment is crucial. Farmers must select varieties resistant to the diseases that previously attacked their farm,” she said.
Niones added that farmers should ensure that lands are well-prepared before they plant on it as pathogens and other bacterial cells can thrive on undecomposed rice stubbles and straw.
The modified dapog method is also recommended to fast-track seeding preparation and minimize transplanting shock
http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-provinces/210618/rice-diseases-prevalent-in-rainy-season.html
Arkansas County Irrigation Tour Wednesday
The group will meet in the lobby of the Rice Research and Extension Center at 8:30 a.m. to head out for the plots.
By Submitted for Stuttgart Daily Leader
Posted Jul. 12, 2016 at 1:28 PM
STUTTGART
The University of Arkansas County Cooperative
Extension Service invites all ag producers and consultants to join them for an
Irrigation Tour being held on Wednesday, July 13.
The group will meet in the lobby of the Rice
Research and Extension Center at 8:30 a.m. to head out for the plots.The tour
will begin by looking at a row rice irrigation study and discuss experiences
with many farmer studies as well as the results they have found in the research
study.
The study contains a variety of comparisons
with nine different varieties included in the study. Next to the row rice study
is a corn irrigation study comparing irrigation trigger levels and the
interaction of deep tillage and gypsum applications. We will also discuss
irrigation water management (IWM) demonstrations, specifically Heath Whitmore’s
on-farm no-till IWM demonstration. Heath Whitmore will discuss his experience
with pipe planner and how it has helped him this year.
This is set up on is farm where we are
comparing watering corn with a surge valve versus non-surge. Heath is in his
third year of no-till and cover crop utilization in his farming operation. Any
farmers interested in learning more about how to structure an IWM plan for NRCS
programs would benefit from this discussion. The group will then travel to the
Bohanan Farm and view a demonstration of multiple inlet rice irrigation versus
a conventional rice irrigation field. The Rice Irrigation mobile app was used
to develop the MIRI plan.
The tour will conclude with a sponsored lunch
at the El Canaveral Restaurant in Stuttgart. For additional information,
contact the Arkansas County Extension Service at (870) 946-3231 or (870)
673-2346. The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal
access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable
accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please
contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as
possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
http://www.stuttgartdailyleader.com/news/20160712/arkansas-county-irrigation-tour-wednesday
President Thanks China For Rice Growth Support
Chinese ambassador to Fiji Zhang
Ping (left) and President , Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote are directed how that rice machine is used .
Photo: Shahani Mala
July 13
07:46 2016
by SHAHANI MALA, Suva
The
President Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote has thanked the government of
China for their help and support to increase rice production in Fiji.Currently,
there are six personnel from China under the China Aid Rice Programme to help
rice farmers use technology and train the local staff and farmers in modern
rice production.President Konrote said the Government aims for us to be self-sufficient in providing our own rice.“That would cut back on the import bill and it has to do with food security.”President Konrote visited the Koronivia Research Station rice farm with the Chinese ambassador Zhang Ping yesterday.Koronivia Research Station, senior research officer Penaia Mau said the China-Aided Agriculture Development Project on Vanua Levu and Koronivia commenced on January 1, 2015 and is scheduled to end on December 31, 2016.
The experts from the Chinese government are working with the Ministry of Agriculture.“They have conducted rice breeding, high-yield rice cultivation demonstration, technology promotion and technical training and other important rice activities,” Mr Mau said.Mr Mau said they had made tremendous achievements through Chinese expertise to date.“Total of 1600 technicians, researchers, farmers and students are trained in rice breeding and selection.”
Edited by Rusiate Mataika
Feedback: shahani.mala@fijisun.com.fj
http://fijisun.com.fj/2016/07/13/president-thanks-china-for-rice-growth-support/
Sow seeds in straight rows
Posted
on Jul - 12 - 2016
Sowing rice seeds in straight rows directly
into the soil is now made easier with the reduced-till planter.As the name connotes, the reduced-till planter works in minimally prepared soil at a predetermined seeding rate, with an option to simultaneously apply basal fertilizer. The machine can also be used to plant other crops such as maize, soybean, and mungbean.
The machine is a product of collaboration among the DA National Rice Program, Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). They are working on emerging technologies under the Food Staples Sufficiency Program to increase farm productivity, and promote sustainability and adaptability of rice against the changing climate.
PhilRice team lead Dr. Manuel Jose Regalado of the project Accelerating the development and dissemination of associated rice production technologies that are resource-use efficient, said that the machine is not only designed to ease field operations in rainfed production areas, but also to establish the rice crop using less water while conserving soil moisture.
“There are more than 2M ha of rainfed rice lands in the country that can greatly contribute to reach the pressing demand for rice sufficiency. With the changing climate, farmers in these areas need to establish their crops quickly at the onset of the rainy season,” Regalado explained.
Efficiency at work
The reduced-till planter was developed and tested at the PhilRice Central Experiment Station (CES) in Maligaya, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija for two planting periods, 2015 wet season and 2016 dry season. It was compared with the push-type seeder and the broadcast method, and evaluated in terms of grain yield.
The machine is rear-mounted to a compact four-wheel tractor and can seed nine rows at a time. Under clay loam soils, tilling is not needed. However, for heavy clay soils, such as the Maligaya clay series at PhilRice CES, reduced tillage (one-pass rotavation), is recommended. With this planter, seeds can be sown under the dry soil surface.
“Through this process, farmers can conserve 50% of the water requirement because land soaking is not needed,” said Kristine Pascual, PhilRice engineer and project team member.
Aside from seed planter, the machine can also be used to simultaneously apply basal fertilizer, if the farmer opts to do so.
Outcomes desired
With promising results, this new technology is being eyed for further studies on farmers’ sites.
Under rainfed condition and reduced tillage, the reduced-till planter attained a 300-500 kg/ha yield advantage compared to the push-type seeder and broadcast method.
With a 2-meter effective width, it can directly seed 2-3 ha/day. The seeding rate can be adjusted from 20-60 kg/ha.
“Given these results, we are aiming to bring the machine to farmers’ fields for further evaluation. We plan to conduct adaptive testing during the 2016 wet season and 2017 dry season,” Regalado said
- See more at:
http://www.philrice.gov.ph/sow-seeds-straight-rows/#sthash.Gwm6eI1y.dpuf
http://www.philrice.gov.ph/sow-seeds-straight-rows/
Training aims to equip rice farmers
Published: 13 July 2016
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Jimmy Saelea said, “this training workshop module therefore is to equip rice farmers and other technical staff to appreciate the development and adoption of small-scale low cost and energy efficient machinery for use by subsistence farmers in PNG and Solomon Islands.
“I encourage all trainees to gain as much knowledge as possible from the training.
“You are the few lucky ones to be given the opportunity to be the first for this subject matter training,” he said.
Saelea said that processing, preservation and quality improvement of agricultural crops for the benefit of local population will always be assured of any government of the day’s support, including the current DCC government which recognizes and is committed to encouraging and supporting rural development.
The training will involve production of manual rice milling machine and training on how to use the solar grain drier and peanut shelling machine.
Less
laborious, more economical land preparation
Comprising about 19% of the total labor cost in rice production,
land preparation can be worrisome for farmers. Experts at the Rice Engineering
and Mechanization Division (REMD) of the Philippine Rice Research Institute
(PhilRice) find ways to ease farm drudgery while reducing labor cost. They
developed a 3-disc plow attachment for hand tractors to make land preparation
less laborious and more economical for farmers.
Engr. Elmer Bautista of PhilRice’s REMD said that the 3-disc
plow was found to increase the field capacity of the conventional attachment
(2-disc plow) thereby cutting the cost of plowing operations.
Bautista’s team tested the 3-disc plow at the PhilRice Central
Experiment Station in Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija. It was attached to a
hand tractor with 8-horsepower engine with a similar frame as the traditional
one.
Results of the field test showed that the 3-disc plow is
advantageous in terms of increased field capacity and economically more
feasible than the common 2-disc plow.
The operation field efficiency using the 3-disc plow was 94.2%,
which indicates that 5.8% of the time was consumed for activities other than
actual plowing. It had an advantage cutting width of 75 cm, 22 cm more than the
2-disc plow (53 cm).
At a prevailing land preparation cost of P4,500/ha, the 3-disc
plow could generate an annual net income of P72,662.40, higher than the annual
net income of the 2-disc plow which is P46,513.20. The two types of plow attachments were
similar in terms of travelling speed, fuel consumption, and engine power.
Currently, Bautista’s team is looking for an accredited
manufacturer to mass produce the 3-disc plow attachment and make it
commercially available to consumers. “We are taking the necessary steps for the
accreditation of our patented design of the 3-disc plow attachment so that our
farmers can use it as soon as possible,” Bautista said.
To know more about the 3-disc plow attachment, farmers may
contact the PhilRice Text Center at 0920 911 1398.
Sow seeds in straight rows
Sowing rice seeds in
straight rows directly into the soil is now made easier with the reduced-till
planter.
As the name connotes, the
reduced-till planter works in minimally prepared soil at a predetermined
seeding rate, with an option to simultaneously apply basal fertilizer. The
machine can also be used to plant other crops such as maize, soybean, and
mungbean.
The machine is a product of
collaboration among the DA National Rice Program, Bureau of Agricultural
Research (BAR), and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). They are
working on emerging technologies under the Food Staples Sufficiency Program to
increase farm productivity, and promote sustainability and adaptability of rice
against the changing climate.
PhilRice team lead Dr.
Manuel Jose Regalado of the project Accelerating the development and
dissemination of associated rice production technologies that are resource-use
efficient, said that the machine is not only designed to ease field operations
in rainfed production areas, but also to establish the rice crop using less
water while conserving soil moisture.
“There are more than 2M ha
of rainfed rice lands in the country that can greatly contribute to reach the
pressing demand for rice sufficiency. With the changing climate, farmers in
these areas need to establish their crops quickly at the onset of the rainy
season,” Regalado explained.
Efficiency at work
The reduced-till planter was
developed and tested at the PhilRice Central Experiment Station (CES) in
Maligaya, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija for two planting periods, 2015 wet
season and 2016 dry season. It was compared with the push-type seeder and the
broadcast method, and evaluated in terms of grain yield.
The machine is rear-mounted
to a compact four-wheel tractor and can seed nine rows at a time. Under clay loam soils, tilling is not needed.
However, for heavy clay soils, such as the Maligaya clay series at PhilRice
CES, reduced tillage (one-pass rotavation), is recommended. With this planter,
seeds can be sown under the dry soil surface.
“Through this process,
farmers can conserve 50% of the water requirement because land soaking is not
needed,” said Kristine Pascual, PhilRice engineer and project team member.
Aside from seed planter, the
machine can also be used to simultaneously apply basal fertilizer, if the
farmer opts to do so.
Outcomes desired
With promising results, this
new technology is being eyed for further studies on farmers’ sites.
Under rainfed condition and
reduced tillage, the reduced-till planter attained a 300-500 kg/ha yield
advantage compared to the push-type seeder and broadcast method.
With a 2-meter effective
width, it can directly seed 2-3 ha/day. The seeding rate can be adjusted from
20-60 kg/ha.
“Given these results, we are aiming to bring the machine to farmers’
fields for further evaluation. We plan to conduct adaptive testing during the
2016 wet season and 2017 dry season,” Regalado said.
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