Rice farmers will have a fighting chance against rains and floods if they plant more “submarino rice,” a variety of rice that can survive a couple of weeks under water, Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) said.
“This type of rice is unique because it can grow well in wet conditions where other crops cannot, (though) if it is covered with water completely it can die, leaving flooded farmers bereft of income,” said Dr. Bruce Tolentino, IRRI deputy director general for Communications and Partnerships.
The expert also said that the submarino rice was bred by IRRI and can survive floods if they occur before flowering.
Released in 2009, the latest flood-tolerant rice variety is now being used by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) as replacement in flood-stricken farmlands all over the country.
The submarino rice has been widely adopted by rice farmers across the Philippines since its release, owing to the efforts by the DA and its agencies, which have been actively promoting the rice variety to farmers.
The DA has effectively implemented strategies, which include involving farmers in early field trials and seed multiplication efforts across the country alongside information, education, extension and communication campaigns and materials.
Tolentino noted that there were currently two submarino rice varieties available in the Philippines, the Submarino 1 (NSIC Rc194, released 2009) and Sacobia (PSB Rc68, released 1997).
To help others in communities affected by the recent floods, the IRRI is also coordinating donations from its staff to give to people in flooded areas of Los Baños and Bay around IRRI headquarters.
Tolentino said they will also distribute at least 200 kilos of rice to flood-affected farmers in Los Banos, Laguna.               PNA