Photo of ATI-RTC 1 Center Director, Dr. Rogelio C. Evangelista (Left) during his welcome message and BPI-NSQCS 1 Regional Chief, Dr. Benito S. Andaya (Right) during his discussion about the Policies and Guidelines on Inbred Rice Seed Production and Certification.

The Agricultural Training Institute- Regional Training Center 1 (ATI-RTC 1) in partnership with the Bureau of Plant Industry-National Seed Quality Control Services (BPI-NSQCS 1) conducted the 5-day Basic Training on Inbred Rice Seed Production & Certification Training held at ATI-RTC 1 Tebag East, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan on July 19-23 2021.

The training aimed to increase the adoption of certified inbred seeds and integrated crop management through promotion, distribution, and development of inbred rice seeds. A total of 20 potential seed growers in Region I, who passed the criteria set by the BPI-NSQCS 1 attended the said training.

During the training, topics on Rice Seed Industry and Program in the Region, Seed Testing Methods, Procedures, and Laboratory Standards, Varietal Selection and Characteristics of Newly Released Rice Varieties, Cultural Management Practices Relative to the Growth Stages of the Rice Plant, Integrated Nutrient Management, and Integrated Pest Management were discussed by staff of ATI-RTC 1 and BPI-NSQCS 1. Hence, participants were able to gain knowledge and skills in seed production certification in terms of the policies, guidelines and seed technologies, seed marketing and farm record keeping.

In the midst of pandemic and the inevitable change of weather conditions, several agricultural interventions were being made by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and DA-attached agencies for the continues development of the Philippine agricultural sector.