MANILA – Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has called on rice farmers in areas served by rice processing systems (RPS) to plant only one to two rice varieties, a move aimed at maximizing operational efficiency in milling and processing.

The guidance responds to feedback from local farmers’ cooperatives operating RPS facilities, which highlighted the need to streamline production for smoother operations.

“The important thing is the efficiency of the processing systems. If too many varieties are planted at the same time, the facility has to wait for one batch to finish before starting another, which slows down operations,” Tiu Laurel said.

Sony Dolendo, general manager of the Hamtic Multi-purpose Cooperative, noted that even planting a single rice variety has improved efficiency for the P98.4-million RPS funded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.

Tiu Laurel cited Vietnam as a model, saying, “In Vietnam, farmers focus on one or two varieties per region. This allows mills to operate continuously, reduces production costs, and ensures that both farmers and rice millers earn more. We can adopt the same approach here to make our rice sector more profitable and sustainable.”

The DA is also expanding rice drying infrastructure to support farmers. Under the 2025 budget, 220 drying systems—each with a 390-square-meter warehouse and a 12-tonner dryer—have been deployed. In 2026, another 150 systems will be installed, featuring larger 900-square-meter warehouses and 24-tonner dryers, enabling temporary storage and drying of harvests before milling.

Tiu Laurel noted that with adequate drying and storage facilities, not all areas require rice mills, as properly dried and stored palay can last up to six months, providing a more stable supply.

Experts say that combining limited-variety planting with improved drying infrastructure could reduce mill downtime, minimize post-harvest losses, lower costs, and preserve rice quality, ultimately boosting productivity and profitability.

Farmers are encouraged to coordinate with local cooperatives and processing facilities in selecting varieties and using drying systems, as part of the DA’s broader effort to modernize rice production and ensure higher incomes and sustainability nationwide.