The DA-BAR funded OneRicePH Project conducted a series of site monitoring visits or “crop tours” of the wet season trials and techno-demos from September to November 2024.
These crop tours are part of the deliverables under Module 2 (Modernizing a unified national rice breeding strategy for higher genetic gain) and Module 5 (Increasing turnover in farmers’ fields) of the project. These covered various regional and provincial research stations and farmers’ fields across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
There were 42 trials in 14 locations monitored under the breeding network of Module 2 and 3 clustered farmers’ fields under the Expanded On-Farm Technology Demonstrations (EOFTD) of Module 5. The tour was led by representatives from three breeding institutions—IRRI, PhilRice CES, UPLB, and DA-BAR with support from our researchers, farmers, and local government units.
The monitoring teams conducted visual assessments of the breeding network trials' overall field crop stand, trial management, and damages caused by biotic and abiotic factors. They observed and evaluated the performances of different rice lines on their adaptability to the soil and agroclimate in the site as well as their resistance and tolerance to pests and diseases. These will provide information on how the lines will be selected and advanced in the next stages of testing. While most sites showed promising results, recurring issues such as workforce limitations, irrigation problems, and the need for better data-sharing systems have been identified. In addition, typhoons have also been one of the causes of trial failures during the wet season cropping.
These insights highlight the importance of appropriate breeding and testing strategies, pest and disease management, and technology adoption. Recommendations were provided to enhance coordination and data sharing, strengthen field management practices, address workforce constraints, expand trials in stress-prone environments, and encourage adoption of new technologies to enhance overall efficiency and productivity.
Visits to the EOFTD sites also provided insights into pest dynamics, varietal adaptability, and effective nutrient and management practices. Key recommendations were focused on managing pests like stem borers and rice bugs through integrated pest management strategies, as well as synchronized planting, and community-wide training sessions to enhance resilience in rice farming systems.
The combined efforts from these crop tours underscored the need for targeted interventions to optimize productivity and support the development of resilient rice varieties.
Overall, the crop tour was a collaborative effort among OneRicePH stakeholders. It created a space for meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and actionable planning. By identifying challenges and exploring opportunities, the tour reinforced the importance of teamwork and innovation in achieving sustainable rice production in the Philippines.
The OneRicePH Project at IRRI is led by Dr. Mary Jean Du, who is also the Breeding Lead for Southeast Asia.
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