By Kenneth Marcos 
For many farmers, a good harvest begins with one simple but powerful decision: choosing the right seed. As the planting season nears, agriculture experts are once again urging Filipino rice farmers to use high-quality seeds to boost their harvests and income.
Studies from the Department of Agriculture show that using certified and high-quality rice seeds can increase a farmer’s yield by 10 to 15 percent. The main reasons? These seeds have a higher germination rate, better resistance to pests and diseases, and allow for more uniform growth, which makes it easier to manage the crop from planting to harvest.
Unlike low-quality seeds that may sprout unevenly or produce weak plants, certified seeds are developed through scientific testing to ensure they grow strong and healthy. This helps farmers avoid major losses caused by unpredictable weather, insect attacks, and plant diseases—problems that continue to affect many rice-growing areas in the country.
High-quality seeds are also more likely to mature and ripen at the same time. This means farmers can plan their harvest better and avoid delays that might expose the crop to typhoons or floods.
The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), a key agency under the Department of Agriculture, has long been promoting proper seed selection as one of the easiest and most affordable ways to improve farm productivity. Through their #AgriAsensoTips campaign, ATI continues to spread helpful, science-based advice for farmers across the country.
Farmers and agri-enthusiasts are invited to tune in to #AgriAsensoTips this Saturday, 3:00 to 4:00 PM, live on DZRH News and the ATI Facebook Page. Experts will talk about seed selection, planting techniques, and other smart farming practices that can help farmers earn more and farm smarter.
As prices of farm inputs rise and weather becomes more unpredictable, knowledge is one of the most important tools a farmer can have. A small step like choosing better seeds can make a big difference in ensuring a more bountiful and secure harvest.
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