Manila: Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has urged rice farmers situated in areas equipped with rice processing systems (RPS) to cultivate only one or two rice varieties to enhance operational efficiency.
According to Philippines News Agency, this recommendation follows input from local farmers' cooperatives managing RPS facilities, highlighting the importance of streamlined production to ensure more efficient processing. In a recent news release, Tiu Laurel emphasized that while farmers may have their preferred rice varieties, they should restrict planting to a maximum of two varieties per area to optimize processing systems.
Tiu Laurel stated, "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." Sony Dolendo, general manager of the Hamtic Multi-purpose Cooperative in Antique province, reported significant efficiency improvements with the P98.4-million RPS provided by the DA through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund when planting a single variety.
Explaining the rationale, Tiu Laurel pointed to Vietnam's rice sector as an exemplary 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.
In addition to planting guidelines, the DA is introducing more rice drying facilities to assist farmers further. Under the 2025 budget, 220 drying systems were established, each with a 390-square-meter warehouse and a 12-tonner dryer. This year will see the deployment of 150 additional drying systems, featuring larger 900-square-meter warehouses and 24-tonner dryers, allowing farmers to temporarily store and dry their harvests before milling.
Tiu Laurel noted that if adequate drying and storage facilities are available, it might not be necessary for all areas to have rice mills. "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 believes that combining limited-variety planting with enhanced drying infrastructure could significantly increase 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 encourages farmers to collaborate with local cooperatives and processing facilities in selecting appropriate 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 concluded.
