The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program will launch RCEF PalaySikatan 2.0, a technology demonstration of cluster inbred rice production this wet season.

The initiative will be implemented in 25 sites across the country that will showcase the benefits of using quality inbred rice seeds, yield-enhancing and cost-reducing packages of technologies, farm mechanization, and digitalization.

Emphasizing a farm clustering approach, each site will feature a 50-hectare rice cluster to bolster and maintain the agri-enterprises developed and engaged by the Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs).

Participating FCAs in PalaySikatan 2.0 will receive a management fund equivalent to 5% of the financial support provided to their enrolled members as farmer-cooperators (FCs). These FCAs will also be eligible for the Best FCA Award, presented each season.

Enlisted FCs will benefit from various provisions based on their enrolled area for the technology demonstration, ranging from 0.25 to 1.0 hectare per farmer. These provisions include free certified seeds recommended by the RiceBIS program, agricultural inputs or machinery rentals amounting to P6,000 per hectare, technical assistance, capacity building through RCEF Rice Extension Services Program, and other provisions from the National Program.

Smart agri-technologies to be demonstrated and promoted include decision support tools such as MOET-based fertilizer recommendations, Binhi e-Padala for seed delivery and distribution, e-vouchers for farm inputs and services, the PalayCheck App for crop monitoring and management, and the PRIME Collect App for pest monitoring and management.

PalaySikatan 2.0 is envisioned as a catalyst for the dissemination and broader adoption of innovative technologies in rice farming.

(DA-PhilRice, Yobhel Louisse Beltran, May 31, 2024)

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