SeedNet members get 50% subsidy

Here’s good news for seed growers who are members of the National Seed Network (SeedNet).

Starting in the 2006 dry season, SedNet members will be entitled to a 50-percent discount on the cost of foundation seeds, which they plant to produce registered and certified seeds. This means that instead of paying P80 per kilogram (kg), which is the new rate, SeedNet members pay only P40 per kg.

Dr. Leocadio S. Sebastian, executive director of PhilRice (Philippine Rice Research Institute), said this move will help accredited seed growers reduce their production costs as well as encourage their active membership in the SeedNet, which is led by the Institute.

The provision of this discount rate is an added privilege for SeedNet members in response to their subsidy requests owing to the increase in the cost of seeds as ordered recently by Agriculture Secretary Domingo Panganiban, according to Eden Gagelonia, SeedNet coordinator.

She is hopeful that this will also motivate members to submit reports and revitalize their performance.

Records show that since the establishment of the SeedNet in 1994 when seeds were given free to members, only 48 percent of the members has been submitting reports. When the subsidy was abolished in 2004, membership also decreased from 95 to 70 and then down to 67 in 2005. However, report submission gradually increased to 56.7 percent.

As part of its new policy, PhilRice will no longer sell breeder seeds to outside growers including SeedNet members. Breeder seeds, which now cost P150 per kg, are used for the production of foundation seeds. — S.Ma. Pablico & B Listino