Reducing production losses through participatory varietal selection in submergence-prone rice areas in the Philippines
2009
Manzanilla, D.O., [email protected] | Acda, R.D. | Mariano, J.M. | Loresca, K.B. | Velasco, Ma.L.E. | Velarde, O.P. | Tatlonghari, G.M., International Rice Research Inst. DAPO Box 7777, Metro Manila (Philippines) | Desamero, N.V., Philippine Rice Research Inst., Maligaya, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija (Philippines) | Labios, R.V. | Paris, T.R. | Pandey, S., International Rice Research Inst. DAPO Box 7777, Metro Manila (Philippines)
Typhoons and floods devastate rice lands that could otherwise contribute to higher rice production and improve the poverty situation in the poor farming communities. Submergence of rice is one of the major reasons for production loss. Using 2007-baseline survey of 205 households, focus groups discussion and key informant interviews, this study focused on estimating production losses and impacts on income in submergence-prone rice areas of Nueva Ecija and North Cotabato. It analyzed submergence-coping mechanisms and adjustments in farming systems and consumption patterns. The study also examined farmer's criteria in evaluating and adopting new varieties depending on agro-ecological and socio-economic conditions. IRRI and PhilRice, through the participatory varietal selection (PVS) validated lines with the Sub 1 gene that confers tolerance to submergence of up to two weeks and having the same yield and characteristics as the original variety. Major findings indicate that floods of average depth of 78 cm and 143 cm in North Cotabato and Nueva Ecija, respectively, result in 50-60% yield losses. Coping mechanisms include resouring, adjusting cropping calendar, changing inputs application and mortgaging farm assets. PVS trials conducted under farmer's field conditions indicated that farmers prefer BR11-Sub1 and IR49830-7-1-2-3 based on visual assessment of resistance to pest and diseases, resistance to lodging, more tillers and bigger panicles with many filled grains. The results of this study contribute to better understanding of the problem and targeting appropriate varieties to improve income thus reducing poverty incidence in submergence-prone areas.
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