This study presents the experiences and problems encountered by rice seed growers in Leyte; their contributions to agricultural development as well as their degree of participation and level of satisfaction in the rice seed production program in Leyte. Majority of the respondents owned an average seed farm area of 4 ha and produced an average of 99 cav/ha of certified seeds. Most had availed of credit from institutional sources and 59% obtained help from hired labor. The average seed disposal per farmer was 130 cav per cropping season, or an average disposal of 34 cav/ha per farmer per season. Three or four visits by the seed inspectors per cropping season were considered adequate by the respondents. While majority (59%) considered seed production to be quite laborious, they found it rewarding and profitable as certified seeds could command better price than ordinary palay. Generally, the problems encountered by the respondents were minor ones. This explains their high level of satisfaction and high degree of participation in the program. Of the selected variables studied, educational attainment, organizational affiliation, trainings attended, market outlets and problems encountered were significantly related to degree of participation. None of the independent variables was related to level of satisfaction. Likewise, no significant relationship was observed between level of satisfaction and degree of participation of rice seed growers.
ISSN 2704-3541 (Online)
ISSN 0116-0710 (Print)
Philippine E-Journals
