The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has inaugurated at its headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, a so-called speed breed facility (SBF) seen to shorten the breeding cycle of rice seeds designed for increased efficiency and productivity.The SBF is targeted for completion in March next year.
IRRI did not disclose the cost of developing the SBF but said it will occupy 587 square meters of space enough for 120,000 plants that shortens the turnaround time generation advancement by targeting 4 to 5 generations in a year.
The SBP is equipped with advanced automated irrigation and control systems and interconnected chambers to ensure reliability, precision, quality, environmental consistency and water efficiency in the breeding process.
The facility prioritizes sustainability by using solar technology.
Earlier this month, the Department of Agriculture (DA) cited an IRRI report on the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), suggesting the need for a more aggressive registry process so that more farmers benefit from the distribution of certified seeds.
Leo Sebastian, DA undersecretary for rice industry development, said RCEF seeds have a high level of efficiency in meeting the goals of individual farmers although many who could be recipients are not properly registered.
The Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) is part of the requirement to obtain certified seeds through the RCEF.
As of March 2022, 5.45 million farmers, fishers and farm workers have registered under the RSBSA.
But despite the 95 to 97 percent certified seed use rate, the Philippine Rice Research Institute said 3 to 5 percent received their seeds late.
The midterm evaluation in July also raised the need to establish a mechanism to identify locations where delivery is late, followed by timing seed delivery with the cropping calendar in these areas.
