ROGER Y. IBAÑEZ JR.

EXERCISE QUESTIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP OUTPUT

Module 3

Exercise 1
An experienced farmer was introduced to new rice varieties for different ecosystems (irrigated, rainfed, etc). His primary
consideration in choosing a variety for his farm is yield and resistance to pests and diseases. However, he was
overwhelmed with all the new varieties mentioned since he observed that these new varieties keep on coming every time.
He wants to know as well how long this variety will perform in terms of yield and resistance to pests & diseases.

1. What kind of approach can you recommend to the farmer with regards to variety replacement?
Answer:
For me, participatory varietal selection is the appropriate approach in recommending the variety to be used by the
farmers. In participatory varietal selection there are three phases to be performed in order to identify preferred cultivars.
The first phase is identifying farmers’ needs, in which it allows cultivars that are likely to match their requirements to
be selected for testing, and the avoidance of cultivars that will be obviously unacceptable. The second phase is
searching for suitable material to test with farmers to identify appropriate cultivars for inclusion in the selection program.
The cultivars may be national, state or regional releases, both recent and old, and may also be ‘pre-release’ material
at an advanced stage of testing (Joshi & Witcombe, n.d.). The last phase is experimentation on farmers’ fields in which
various testing and evaluation systems can be employed and farmers will be asked in informal discussions which of
the cultivars they like the most, or the subsequent demand for seed from farmers can be used as the selection criterion.
With this approach, there is a huge possibility that the farmers will utilize the variety that has superior performance
after field experiment because they observe and experience first-hand information about the variety being tested in
the field.

2. How will you properly introduce to him the importance of using resilient varieties?
Answer:
I will explain to the farmers the characteristics and importance of using resilient varieties like NSIC Rc 352 and
NSIC 182. Another is that, I will adopt a farmer that his farm that will serve as demonstration area because farmers
won’t believe or change their practices unless they experience or see the actual result.

Exercise 2
The dry season is fast approaching. As part of his preparation for the coming season, a farmer in Iloilo province with a
one-hectare rainfed lowland rice field wanted to get new varieties intended for his farm. He is currently using an old variety
NSIC Rc192 for almost 5 years since he has no access to it. The current seed system is one of the major challenges in
the province.

1. Can you make a strategic plan on how to improve the local seed system in terms of accessibility of new adaptive
rainfed varieties?
Answer:
The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice –Bicol) and Department of Agriculture 5 through RCEF have
implemented projects which enhance the availability and accessibility of high-quality seeds and appropriate rice
varieties particularly, on rainfed and upland rice.
The existing community seed banking scheme including rehabilitation and establishments, distribution of simple
processing equipment, and locally adaptable starter seeds are imperative in improving the local seed system. Further,
the participation of research institutions like DA in the production and distribution of registered seeds as well as the
purification and multiplication of rainfed rice seeds. The disaster response on buffer seed stoking and also the provision
of insurance coverage from PCIC.
 2. What will you advise the farmer once he got the new variety?
Answer:
I will expound to him the advantages of using the new seed variety such as the following, namely: 1) economical
and with lower seedling requirements, 2)higher seedling emergence , 3)vigorous seedlings, 4) more uniform plant
stand, 5)faster growth rate, 6)better resistance to stress and 7) uniformity during ripening. Nonetheless, I can also cite
the need for an Integrated Cop Manager which is a method of farming that balances the need for a profitable farming
venture. Hence, the high-quality seeds can increase his yield in income.

3. Also, can you recommend a platform on how to access basic variety information?
Answer:
The basic platforms we can suggest to the farmers are the partnership and linkage to LGU since most of the AEWs
are now equipped with technological know-how on varietal information. Further, internet access like the RCEF seed
distribution app example FB page, and television and radio programs can be also an avenue for the farmers to enrich their
knowledge on varietal needs. Another platform is the use of the Binhing Palay Application which can be downloaded on
android phones and can be accessed offline.

Exercise 3
A contract-certified seed grower harvested a new irrigated lowland inbred variety on his 2021 wet season cropping. He
then turnover it to the regional partners for local seed distribution. Farmers were complaining about the viability of the
seeds that were given to them for free. As a result, they opted to buy new seeds for planting.

1. What management strategy will you make based on the seed quality issue?
Answer:
Based on the statement only wet season trial was conducted and distribution was made. Maybe, the seeds were
not reached purification procedures resulting in poor quality of seeds thus, germination and growth of the crop. It is
recommended that the farmers must source the resulting high-quality rice seed from legitimate seed growers in the area
or from listing of newly released seeds by the NSIC.

2. How will you manage the program of free seeds for farmers?
Answer:
I can manage the program of free seeds distribution in the locality through the mobilization and strengthening of
local seed production, supporting variety development, and strengthening farmer cooperatives and associations.