Bayer may replicate Indonesian rice project in RP

MANILA, Philippines - Bayer CropScience AG, a subsidiary of global healthcare and chemical company Bayer AG, said it may bring to the Philippines an ambitious project launched in Indonesia that supposedly increases rice production.

In a recent press conference held in Leverkusen, Germany, Bayer officials said the project optimizes rice production in Indonesia and has been well received by farmers, raising the possibility this will be brought to other countries in the region, including the Philippines.

The project involves the switch from transplanted rice to direct-seeded rice which, Bayer claims, has resulted in an increase of yields by 10 percent.

Bayer said this could be a solution to address the growing demand for high-quality food in emerging countries such as Indonesia, arising from population growth.

“This program will also go to other countries but it may take some time,” said Wolfgang Plischke, member of Bayer’s Board of Management during the recently concluded Bayer’s Perspective on Sustainability Forum.

Through the program, Bayer CropScience aims to help farmers make the transition to direct-seeded rice by providing an integrated solution. The company is contributing its expertise in seeds, sowing methods and crop protection.

Bayer said direct-seeded rice is more susceptible to grassy weeds. It proposes the use of crop protection products to control weeds.

The aim of the switch from transplanted rice to direct-seeded rice is to improve yield, quality and sustainability while reducing the amount of seeds and water used.

Bayer said direct-seeded rice can be produced in smaller areas, which could increase farmers’ net income by up to 35 percent.

“If we’ve got direct soiling of rice, we don’t need that much water,” said Plischke, adding that water supply is a major problem in Indonesia and in the Philippines.

Bayer is a global enterprise with expertise in the fields of health care, nutrition and high-tech materials. Bayer CropScience offers a range of products and extensive service backup for modern, sustainable agriculture and for non-agriculture applications.