Probing into why farmers continue to plant unclassified rice lines

Despite the massive promotion of certified seeds, a significant number of farmers still plant unclassified rice lines of unknown identity. Since they only have popular names without the standard NSIC code. They are assumed to have not undergone the formal seed system. The possible reasons behind the use of unclassified rice lines could be unique genetic traits, pest and disease resistance, or good grain quality. This was better elucidated when PhilRice [Philippine Rice Institute] conducted a survey among these rice farmers who identified good eating quality as their most common reason why they persistently use unclassified lines. To better understand the likely meaning of 'good eating quality' among the farmers, 150 rice lines were collected from different regions across the Philippines and subjected to a comprehensive grain quality evaluation. Results showed that total milled rice recovery ranged from 65.-75.7%, classified as Grade 1 to Premium. This good milling recovery promotes better marketability. Malagkit Exotic from Region 4-B [Mindoro, Marinduque, Palawan, Philippines] exhibited the highest brown rice, total milled rice, and head rice recoveries. Majority of the rice lines had intermediate amylase content (17.8-22.0%), indicating softer texture and good eating quality. Based on alkali spreading value, most samples had intermediate gelatinization temperature (70-74%), thus, with shorter cooking time. The rice lines had good crude protein content ranging from 5.7-11.4%, with highest values from Bulaw Super 60 from Region 3 [Central Luzon] and Blonde from Region 5 [Bicol region]. This study confirms that grain quality, including milling recovery, texture, and cooking time, play an important role in farmers' selection of rice lines for planting. In combination with DNA fingerprinting and agro-morphological characterization, grain quality evaluation is an effective tool in helping determine the identity of unclassified rice lines. Those lines that matched commercially-released NSIC varieties may be grown using certified seeds for higher and stable yield.