Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. encouraged rice farmers in areas served by rice processing systems (RPS) to focus on planting only one to two rice varieties, a move aimed at maximizing operational efficiency.
The call comes in response to feedback from local farmers’ cooperatives operating RPS facilities, emphasizing the need to streamline production that will ensure smoother and more efficient processing.
In a news release Saturday, Tiu Laurel said that while farmers may have preferred rice varieties, planting should be limited to a maximum of two varieties per area.
“The important thing is the efficiency of the processing systems. If too many varieties are planted at the same time, the facility has to wait for one batch to finish before starting another, which slows down operations,” he said.
Sony Dolendo, general manager of the Hamtic Multi-purpose Cooperative in Antique province, noted that planting even a single rice variety has already resulted in significant efficiency gains for the P98.4-million RPS provided by the DA through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.
Explaining the rationale behind the approach, Tiu Laurel pointed to Vietnam’s rice sector as a model.
“In Vietnam, farmers focus on one or two varieties per region. This allows mills to operate continuously, reduces production costs, and ensures that both farmers and rice millers earn more. We can adopt the same approach here to make our rice sector more profitable and sustainable,” he said.
Beyond planting guidelines, the DA is rolling out additional rice drying facilities to further support farmers.
Under the 2025 budget, 220 drying systems were established, each equipped with a 390-square-meter warehouse and a 12-tonner dryer.
This year, 150 more drying systems will be deployed, featuring larger 900-square-meter warehouses and 24-tonner dryers.
These facilities will enable farmers to temporarily store and dry their harvest before milling, addressing the persistent problem of inadequate post-harvest storage.
Tiu Laurel noted that not all areas need to have rice mills if adequate drying and storage facilities are available.
“Properly dried and stored palay can be kept for up to six months, allowing for a more stable and predictable supply,” he said.
The DA said combining limited-variety planting with improved drying infrastructure could significantly boost productivity and profitability.
Reduced mill downtime, better harvest scheduling, and sufficient storage and drying facilities are expected to lower costs, minimize post-harvest losses and preserve rice quality.
The DA encouraged farmers to coordinate with local cooperatives and processing facilities in selecting suitable varieties and making full use of the drying systems.
“These measures form part of a broader effort to modernize rice production in the Philippines, ensuring greater efficiency, sustainability, and higher incomes for farmers nationwide,” Tiu Laurel said. (PNA)
