Jun Torres

Nueva Ecija farmers coop, firm sign agreement on hybrid rice seeds

A partnership agreement was signed over the weekend between the Pinagkaisa N.E. Primary Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Inc. (PNEPMPC) of Gen. M. Natividad, Nueva Ecija, and SL Agritech Corp., the country’s top producer of hybrid rice seeds.

Gemma Tomas, chairperson of the 300-strong farmers’ group, and Henry Lim, chairman and chief executive officer of SL Agritech Corp., signed the agreement at the office of Gen. M. Natividad Mayor Librado Santos.

Under the agreement, SL Agritech will provide the farmer-members of the coop with hybrid seeds (SL-7H F1 and SL-9H), including fertilizers and insecticides.

“We will provide them with all these inputs on credit and we will also buy all their harvested seeds based on the prevailing market price,” Lim said, adding that SL Agritech Corp. is increasing the production of its hybrid seeds to cope with the demand of farmers nationwide.

Lim noted in the past months “the growing demand of our seeds by farmers all over the country.”

Many farmers are planting the hybrid rice because they are now convinced that, indeed, it has substantially increased their production and income.”

SL Agritech Corp. manages a 40-hectare hybrid rice research center in Barangay Oogong in Sta. Cruz Laguna, and a 700-hectare hybrid rice seed production area in Lupon, Davao Oriental.

It has also developed over 100 hectares of farms in Tabuk, Kalinga, for massive hybrid rice seed production.

Those who witnessed the signing were former food minister Jesus Tanchanco, SL Agritech official Cathy Galura, senior vice president; Dr. Noel G. Mamicpic, vice president for research; Marciano Aaron, managing consultant; Joe Santos, assistant vice president for rice operation; Donna Lim, finance manager; Joh Dungca, marketing manager; and Doy Carino regional sales manager.