13 December 2023
Bayer CropScience Philippines was awarded as the highest yielder at 8.63 MT/Ha in Hybrid Rice Seed Category based on the actual production data of Bigante™ Plus (NSIC Rc314H) and Habilis Plus (NSIC Rc524H) at the 16th National Rice Technology Forum (NRTF) held in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. Bigante™ Plus, placed 2nd as highest yielding variety at 8.80 MT/Ha while Habilis Plus ranked 7th with 7.98 MT/ Ha Yield. A total of 24 hybrid varieties from 13 seed companies participated in the Hybrid Rice Seed category.
Arize® Bigante™ Plus is a medium-maturing hybrid rice variety (111-115 days after sowing) of Bayer CropScience. A well-loved variety by rice farmers, this hybrid has consistent high yield and tolerance against BLB or Bacterial Leaf Blight.
Arize® Habilis Plus, on the other hand, is an early-maturing, long slender variety (104-110 days after sowing) that is also BLB-tolerant.
“We chose to highlight Bigante™ Plus in the 16th NRTF because this is the most stable and high yielding hybrid variety with medium maturity across locations and seasons with good cooking and eating quality. For Habilis Plus, it is a long grain hybrid variety and a good option for farmers who are looking for an early maturing variety. Plus, both hybrids are BLB tolerant, which gives farmers the advantage to secure better yield,” explains Recher Ondap, Key Accounts Manager for Government and Industrial.
According to Ondap, the yield performance of Bigante™ Plus and Habilis Plus means farmers are afforded to an increase in income as harvested palay sold is more or less 20 to 30% more compared to traditional inbred varieties. This also grants the farmers lower cost of production per kilo.
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Arthur Pedrita, one of the rice farmer cooperators during the 16th NRTF showcase, shares his positive experience using Bigante™ Plus. “Matagal na akong nagsasaka sa palayan, 28 na taon na. Ang itinanim ko ngayon ay Bigante™ Plus. Nakita kong maganda talaga ang barayti na ito. Hindi na ako magtatanim ng iba pa, Bigante™ Plus lang ang aking gagamitin.” Pedrita also mentions that Yeoval and Nativo helped him protect his crop from insect pests and fungal diseases. By the end of the season, Pedrita’s 1.05- hectare farm harvested a total of 153 sacks at 61.6 kg per sack, amounting to 9,425 metric tons.
Rosario Constantino, another rice farmer cooperator from Hagonoy, Davao del Sur and a Bigante™ plus user, harvested a total yield of 7,233 metric tons from her 0.85-hectare farm with 107 sacks at 67.6 kilos per sack.
For farmers who are looking for good quality hybrids, Ondap urges farmers to consider planting Arize® hybrid varieties, like Pedrita and Constantino, to generate higher income and contribute to the country’s rice and food security. “For the users of Arize®, thank you for your patronage. Please also ensure adapting the Arize® package of technology and recommended crop solutions.”
Iiinas Ivan Lao, Country Commercial Lead of Bayer CropScience, on the other hand, ensures Bayer’s solid commitment to help the Filipino farmers.
“Maaasahan ng mga magsasakang Pilipino na laging kaakibat nila ang Bayer sa kanilang pagsasaka. Sisiguraduhin namin na ang mga produkto at inobasyon ng Bayer ay makakarating sa inyo [magsasaka] para makatulong sa inyong productivity, gumanda ang inyong kabuhayan, at makatulong sa food security ng ating bansa.”
The 16th NRTF, with its recurrent theme “Increasing Rice Productivity through Modern Rice Technology, Geared Towards Farmer’s Prosperity”, was attended by more than 900 participants from different regions across the Philippines and neighboring countries. The forum was led by private sector Rice Board, in collaboration with the National Rice Program of the Department of Agriculture as well as the local government of Davao del Sur and the municipality of Hagonoy.
Read this story to catch a glimpse of Bayer activities during the 16th NRTF:
Bayer pushes for rice farming efficiency and food security, joins 16th NRTF
Catch Bayer's highlights featuring our Arize® varieties, package of technologies, and all the fun interactions with our farmer stakeholders during the 16th NRTF. Watch this video:
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