Manila: The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has introduced three high-yielding sugarcane varieties as part of efforts to help farmers enhance productivity. This initiative was unveiled at the 72nd Philippine Sugar Technologists Association (PhilSuTech) Annual National Convention, with Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona leading the event.
According to Philippines News Agency, the new sugarcane varieties-PHIL 2015-0867, PHIL 2015-0953, and PHIL 2015-0445-are expected to significantly boost yields. The plan involves starting with micropropagation, aiming to release these varieties within six months, with a focus on small farmers and block farms. The PHIL 2015-0867 variety has shown an average yield of 1.91 LKg per ton cane and a potential yield of 2.00 Lkg/TC. PHIL 2015-0953 and PHIL 2015-0455 also demonstrated promising results in various locations.
The varieties performed exceptionally well in the Bais, Sonedco, and Sagay mill districts, outperforming other regions. Secretary Tiu Laurel emphasized the importance of PhilSuTech's expertise in addressing industry challenges like rising production costs, labor shortages, and climate change. He highlighted the need for the industry to move beyond crisis management and focus on building a resilient sector.
The DA is supporting these efforts by distributing beneficial micro-organisms and organic fertilizers to lower production costs. Additionally, the SRA is developing biocontrol solutions against the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) and providing farmer training. Tiu Laurel has directed DA laboratories to support these initiatives, with plans to establish more laboratories at various levels to ensure the availability of biocontrol solutions.
Tiu Laurel urged stakeholders to view challenges as opportunities for transformation, advocating for mechanization, climate-smart agriculture, and the application of science and technology to achieve higher yields. He stressed that innovation should reach the fields and deliver tangible results for farmers, emphasizing that technology must be practical and beneficial to their operations.
