Farmers in the Ilocos Region are experiencing a significant boost in rice production, thanks to the Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter (CPGP), an innovative, eco-friendly solution derived from red seaweed.
CPGP not only increases yields but also strengthens rice crops against pests, diseases, and the increasing threat of extreme weather, offering a promising path toward food security.
The Regional Development Council (RDC-1) has formally recognized the potential of CPGP, endorsing its wider adoption through Resolution No. 74, s. 2024.
This endorsement, signed by RDC-1 Chairperson Matthew Marcos Manotoc, Vice-Chairperson Stephanie Christiansen, and RDC-1 Secretary Irenea Jubungen, underscores the region’s commitment to improving rice productivity.
CPGP, developed through a collaborative effort by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), addresses critical challenges facing rice farmers.
Rice production challenges
Rice remains a staple in the Philippines, but farmers face rising production costs, unpredictable weather patterns, and pest infestations that threaten their livelihoods.
The high cost of fertilizers has also made it difficult for small-scale farmers to maintain sustainable rice production.
Recognizing these challenges, scientists developed CPGP as an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional fertilizers.
With its ability to improve nutrient absorption and reinforce plant structure, CPGP helps farmers achieve higher yields with reduced dependency on synthetic chemicals.
Science-driven solutions for farmers
Field trials conducted in 26 municipalities across Region 1 have shown significant improvements in rice productivity, with yield increases ranging from 10 to 30 percent.
The application of CPGP has also demonstrated resistance to rice tungro virus and bacterial leaf blight, two major diseases affecting rice crops.
Farmers who have used CPGP reported sturdier rice stems that withstand strong winds and typhoons, preventing significant crop losses during extreme weather conditions.
Scaling up for nationwide implementation
With RDC-1’s endorsement, the program aims to expand CPGP adoption through:
• Targeted extension programs with higher education institutions (HEIs) and local government units (LGUs);
• Promotion of CPGP through policy support at the municipal and provincial levels;
• Farmer cooperative partnerships to ensure widespread distribution; and
• Monitoring frameworks to assess long-term impacts on rice production.
By leveraging science-based agricultural solutions, CPGP aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ‘s eight-point socioeconomic agenda, particularly in ensuring food security, increasing agricultural productivity, and promoting sustainable farming practices.
As the demand for sustainable and high-yield farming solutions grows, the implementation of CPGP represents a transformative step in Philippine agriculture.
For farmers like those in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan, the shift towards science-driven farming not only secures their livelihood but also contributes to the nation’s goal of achieving food security and agricultural resilience. (PIA Region 1)
