High-Zinc Rice Achieves High Yield in Ilocos Norte Pilot in the Philippines

The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) has announced a successful pilot harvest of Malusog Rice, commonly known as Golden Rice, in Ilocos Norte. The beta-carotene-enriched variety achieved impressive high yields during local field trials, proving its capability to match or exceed the performance of conventional inbred rice varieties. This agricultural milestone marks a major step forward for the region's efforts to ensure local food supply stability.

The field performance showcased not only high productivity but also strong pest resistance and adaptability to the unique climate conditions of Ilocos Norte. Local agricultural experts and farmer-cooperators noted that the crop required standard farming inputs, meaning small-scale farmers would not face increased production costs to cultivate it. Farmer Ricky A. de Guzman from Brgy. Sta. Cecilia, San Nicolas, harvested 8.14 t/ha from Zinc Rice 2 (NSIC Rc 648), which was higher than the 4.07 t/ha national average palay (rice) yield across all ecosystems in this year's first quarter. It also exceeded the variety's reported yield potential of 4–7.4 t/ha under favorable growing conditions. The successful harvest is expected to boost local interest and accelerate the widespread adoption of the variety across adjacent farming communities.

Developed to combat widespread public health issues, Malusog Rice is specifically engineered to provide up to 50% of the daily Vitamin A requirement for vulnerable populations, including preschool children and pregnant or lactating mothers. Following these high-yielding results, DA-PhilRice plans to expand its seed distribution and scale up local production. This initiative aims to seamlessly integrate the nutrient-dense crop into the regional food market, providing a sustainable tool against micronutrient deficiency.

For more details, read the article in the PhilRice website.