Participatory varietal selection of next-generation rice varieties in major ecosystems in Caraga region [Philippines]

Caraga is an agricultural region in northeastern Mindanao [Philippines] characterized by its unique topography which supports diverse rice production ecosystems. A major contributing factor to the relatively low average rice yield of the region (3.10 tons/ha) is the inadequate utilization of high yielding and climate-resilient rice varieties. To address this, modified ecosystem-targeted farmer Participatory Varietal Selection (PVS) trials of Next-Generation Rice varieties were established in major rice growing areas in the region. In 2016 WS and DS trials, drought-tolerant (14), irrigated-lowland (14), saline-tolerant (18), submergence-tolerant (7) and hybrid (10) varieties were tested across 11 sites in Caraga region. Selection of top performing varieties was accomplished by involving a total of 2,260 participants composed mainly of local farmers, agricultural extension workers and provincial/municipal/city agriculturists in the preferential analysis and sensory evaluation activities. For 2016 WS and DS, respectively, the top performing varieties in each ecosystem were NSIC Rc360 (6.1 tons/ha) and NSIC Rc354 (4.96 tons/ha) for irrigated-lowland ecosystem; PSB Rc68 (6.2 tons/ha) and NSIC Rc280 (5.67 tons/ha) in drought-prone ecosystem. NSIC Rc294 (5.9 tons/ha) and NSIC Rc330 (3.83 tons/ha) in saline-prone ecosystem; IR20F364 (6.4 tons/ha) and NSIC Rc222 (6.40 tons/ha) in submergence-prone ecosystem, and; NSIC Rc368 H (5.87 tons/ha) and NSIC Rc132 H (9.47 tons/ha) in hybrid ecosystem. Observable traits preferred by local farmers include outstanding crop stand, good tillering ability, dense panicles and stay-green characteristics. While during the sensory evaluation, farmers preferred clean, tender and aromatic cooked rice attributes. The project highlights the major involvement of local farmers in the selection process which also fostered stronger collaboration with LGUs and stakeholders. Complimentary high-quality seed production activities are currently being implemented in the region to supply the demand for these varieties for its mass dissemination. The project ultimately aimed to increase the rice yield in Caraga region and contributed to food sufficiency in the country as a whole.