TARLAKENYO (July 18, 2023) — The rice authority in the Philippines is advising farmers to plant early and use early-maturing rice varieties.
The advisory comes as the Philippines is being threatened by the El Niño phenomenon.
According to the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), the quick-growing rice varieties could be harvested in 110 days or less before typhoons come later in the year. Ordinary rice is usually harvested only after 130 – 136 days after sowing.
Among the early maturing rice varieties being recommended by PhilRice are the PSB RC8 (Talavera), NSIC RC 394 (Tubigan 32), NSIC RC 396 (Tubigan 33), NSIC RC 402 (Tubigan 36), PSB RC 4 (Molawin), PSB RC 10 (Pagsanjan), PSB RC 82 (Penaranda), NSIC RC 118 (Matatag 3), NSIC RC 120 (Matatag 6), NSIC RC 130 (Water 3), PSB RC 12 (Caliraya), PSB RC 14 (Rio Grande), and NSIC RC 192 (Sahon Ulan 1).
El Niño may cause below-normal rainfall conditions, which could negatively affect some parts of the Philippines, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
