ENHANCING RAINFED LOWLAND RICE PRODUCTION: INSIGHTS FROM PARTICIPATORY VARIETAL SELECTION IN CENTRAL LUZON
Rainfed lowland rice farming in the Philippines, covering about 4.5 million hectares, faces significant challenges, resulting in lower yields compared to irrigated systems. This study aimed to enhance rainfed rice production through Participatory Varietal Selection (PVS) in Central Luzon. Despite extensive breeding efforts, adoption of new varieties by farmers remains slow due to a mismatch between breeder objectives and farmer needs. PVS offers a solution by involving farmers in the selection process, ensuring the varieties meet practical requirements. The research was conducted over the 2019 and 2020 wet seasons across four provinces in Central Luzon, employing a Randomized Complete Block Design. Farmers assessed various agronomic traits, including yield, palatability, and maturity period, leading to the identification of farmer-preferred varieties. NSIC Rc416 emerged as the most favored variety, consistently outperforming others in both preference scores and yield, due to its early maturation, high tillering capacity, and resistance to pests and lodging. The study underscores the importance of aligning breeding objectives with farmer preferences to enhance adoption rates and productivity in rainfed areas. Recommendations include promoting high-performing varieties like NSIC Rc416, further evaluating promising but less consistently preferred varieties like NSIC Rc480, and continuing the participatory approach to ensure new varieties meet the practical needs of farmers. Implementing these strategies can improve food security and the resilience of rainfed rice systems.
Rainfed Lowland Rice, Participatory Varietal Selection (PVS), Rice Yield Improvement Central Luzon, Farmer Preferences’ Agronomic Traits, Variety Adoption, Rice Breeding, Agricultural Extension, Food Security.