Profitability and supply chain analysis of farmer's specialty rice

Rice plays an integral role in the economy of the Philippines. Farmers cultivate rice, primarily through traditional farming practices. Rice is their major source of income, yet the rice sector in the country faces significant constraints. Productivity and profitability of rice farming is an essential factor in improving farmers' income by achieving higher yield and producing premium quality rices. The market price of rice is determined by its excellent quality and its characteristics, therefore giving the farmer higher income. Breeding program of rice varieties is essential in improving its quality by tapping the existing traditional rice varieties known to farmers as specialty rice's because of their distinct characteristics (like aroma, soft to medium cooked rice and with good physical attributes). The common Farmer's Specialty Rice varieties in the areas were Azucena, Jasmin, Kamuros, Balibod, Blondie, Kiri-Kiri, Palawan, Red Rice, Binerhen, Perurutong, Sebador, Gininto, C-1 Pula and C-1 Puti, Minindoro, Maiksi, Bininbin, Inipot-Ibon, Binuhangin, Minantika, Kabugok, Dinalune, Kinabingkay, Tinumbaga, Binulaw, Waray, Binayawak, Kinamalig, Karangkang, Kinastilyas, Tintang Malagkit, Kabuno, Pinilik, Tinano, Inintsik, Pinursige, Tintang Pasakaw, Kinabayo, Pinansit, Bug-uy, Binatangas, Sulpak, Gurong-Gurong, Binat-ang, Bulao, Sinagadsad, Gurong-Gurong, Tiramas, Paroy and Iningkanto. This study aims to present the supply chain of this farmer's specialty rice and evaluate its profitability and identify different activities, constraints and factors affecting it. Baseline socioeconomic household and miller surveys were conducted in Dasmariñas City, Cavite; Tagkawayan and Buenavista, Quezon, Torrijos, Marinduque; and Pili, Camarines Sur. Database on socio-demographic and farm profile, yield levels, profitability, total and food subsistence carrying capabilities, income sources of farmer-respondents and miller reports were among the initial outputs in this study. Data analysis on Torrijos, Marinduque and Pili, Camarines Sur survey is on-going to come up with a consolidated final paper.