By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the warm morning sun in Agusan, farmers huddled around a rice field, studying the tiny insects hiding beneath the leaves. For many of them, learning how to protect their crops and improve seed quality means protecting every peso they invest in their farms.
Twenty-two members of the Esperanza RiceBIS Producers Cooperative recently completed a three-day training on pest management and nutrient needs of rice plants. The activity, held on November 12–14, was led by the Rice Seed Systems–Local Seed Businesses (LSBs) together with DA-PhilRice Agusan under the RiceBIS program.
Farmers said the training came at the right time, as rising production costs make it more important to avoid mistakes in planting and seed preparation. Many rely on rice farming as their main source of income, and poor-quality seeds can mean lower harvests and reduced earnings.
The sessions focused on identifying common pests, understanding nutrient deficiencies, and applying proper field practices to ensure healthier crops. Participants also learned how to maintain the purity and quality of rice seeds, a crucial step in producing certified planting materials for their communities.
Franklin L. Ebardo, an LSB cooperator, said the training gave farmers practical knowledge they can apply immediately. He explained that knowing how to spot harmful insects, choose the right nutrients, and grow stronger seedlings can help ensure their investment does not go to waste.
Experts from PhilRice emphasized that better seed production practices lead not only to higher yields but also to more resilient rice varieties that can withstand pests and challenging weather. Strengthening local seed businesses, they added, helps communities reduce dependence on external suppliers and ensures that quality seeds remain available, especially during planting seasons.
The RiceBIS program continues to work with cooperatives and small-scale farmers across the region to improve rice productivity and promote sustainable farming practices. Through hands-on activities and field-based learning, the initiative aims to empower farmers to make informed decisions and adopt more efficient methods.
As farmers return to their fields with new skills and knowledge, many hope these improvements will translate into better harvests and more stable incomes in the coming seasons.
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