ILOILO CITY—The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Western Visayas has harvested 12.4 metric tons of a saline-resistant rice variety, marking a breakthrough for resilient rice production in high-salinity areas.
This harvest, part of a research initiative by the DA’s Integrated Agricultural Research Center (WESVIARC) in the Jaro district, yielded 252 bags of NSIC Rc 604 rice, each weighing 49 kilograms.
According to Science Research Specialist Engr. Flerida Demamay, the variety was developed under WESVIARC’s program to test and refine rice strains that can thrive in saline and lowland-irrigated soils.
The harvest reflects the DA’s commitment to enhancing crop performance in challenging conditions and is part of the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program, which aims to boost the country’s rice output. Caloy Lozada
Supported by the PalayCheck and Rice Crop Management Advisory Service, the initiative also aims to optimize rice yield and productivity. The rice, planted on July 28, reached maturity and was harvested on October 7.
This milestone is expected to pave the way for more sustainable rice farming practices in regions facing soil salinity issues.
