Hybrid rice seen as key to food sufficiency

Hybrid rice technology is one of the key technologies that can make the Philippines self-sufficient in rice.

Local farmers growing the ordinary rice varieties can increase their yields many times more if they use hybrid seeds and the latest farming technology, according to Henry Lim, owner of a 40-hectare research center and demonstration farm for hybrid rice in Barangay Cogong in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

"Hybrid rice technology is one of the keys that can make our country self-sufficient in rice. In China, more than 60 percent of its ricelands are planted to hybrid rice. With over 1.3 billion people to feed, China is not only self-sufficient in rice but it also has enough for export," he said.

Lim, who is chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Hybrid Rice Seed Enterprises, a division of SL Agritech Corp. said China is a country founded on agriculture. Its policy, he said, is "agriculture, agriculture, agriculture."

He said to fully develop agriculture and invigorate its rural economy, China has popularized advanced science and technology which today "has not only substantially raised its food production but has also improved the living standards of its farmers."

"Our farmers growing the ordinary rice varieties can increase their harvest many times more if they will plant hybrid rice seeds and use the right technology," he said.

He cited Aida Badong, a 53-year-old lady farmer from Bgy. San Nicolas in Baao, Camarines Sur who, he said, has increased her harvest from an average of 80 to 100 cavans per hectare to a record of 343 cavans per hectare by planting the SL 8II super hybrid rice variety.

"Para daw siyang tumama sa lotto when interviewed by Baao municipal agriculturist Ramon Bitao and agricultural technician Elsa Bustilla," Lim said, "marami na rin sa ating mga magsasaka ang umaani ng halos ganito karami bawa’t ektarya."