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IN a quest to enhance the country’s rice yield, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is pinning hopes on new rice varieties that are being tested through the variety field trials (VFT) protocol.

The new varieties are expected to be distributed to farmers in time for the 2027 wet season.

Despite facing challenges from recent typhoons and pest infestations, PhilRice has successfully established 173 out of 180 target VFT sites nationwide for the 2025 wet season. Of these sites, 69 have already been harvested as part of the evaluation process.

Under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program, 15 inbred rice varieties are being tested in 78 provinces to ensure that the seeds are suitable for local soil types, climate conditions, and farmer preferences.

“Through VFT, we’re allowing farmers to choose the variety that performs best in their fields,” said Justine Ragos, VFT focal person at PhilRice. One of the new varieties matches the yield of the popular NSIC Rc 222 and boasts good eating quality.

The trials compare the NSIC Rc 600-700 inbred series and farmer-preferred varieties, including those recommended for specific regions and nationwide.

PhilRice branch stations are currently conducting VFT Field Days, inviting farmers, local officials, and seed growers to observe and evaluate the performance of each variety. Their feedback will serve as input for local seed selection workshops.

“Farmers often tell us that the seeds distributed to them don’t always match their needs,” Ragos said. “VFT gives them a chance to choose the right variety based on yield, field performance, and grain quality they’ve witnessed.”

The selected varieties will be multiplied by seed growers for the 2027 dry season and distributed to farmers before the wet season, based on actual trial results and farmer demand.

The RCEF Seed Program encourages interested farmers to coordinate with their local government to participate in the VFT Field Days. By doing so, PhilRice can strengthen linkages with farmers, local governments, and research institutions to promote the use of certified inbred seeds suited to local conditions and farmer preferences.

Source : msn