In past few years, the Philippines seed industry has witnessed a dynamic change in terms of usage of hybrid seeds and non hybrid seeds for the cultivation of number of vegetable and non-vegetable crops. Rising population in the country has surged the demand of rice, vegetables and other staples. It has also been observed that the non vegetable seeds have contributed majorly to the revenues of the seed industry over the past few years. The percentage share of non-vegetable seeds has increased from ~% in 2011 to ~% in 2016.
Rice is a staple food among Filipinos households. The growing demand for rice in the country has encouraged government to take initiatives to use hybrid seeds in the cultivation, as hybrid seeds give better yield for the crop as compared to the non-hybrid seeds. Despite Government efforts for self-sufficiency, around 20% of domestic consumption is catered by imports.
The Philippines Government has supported the hybrid and non hybrid seed industry in past few years and taken various initiatives such as R&D efforts, training and subsidy to farmers, marketing support to private hybrid seed producers and others. The government also has plans to increase the total area allotted to hybrid seed plantation in the coming years. The government has started hybrid rice commercialization program, which is specially designed to increase production that can contribute to food security program of the country from 3.0 MT to at least 5.0 MT up to 7 tons per hectare.
Philippine is net importers of seeds in APAC region. There is also a growing demand for hybrid seeds (especially rice) in other countries. Aside from the Philippines, only China, India, and the United States have advanced in terms of hybrid rice technology. The Philippines is exporting hybrid rice seeds to Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar and Papua New Guinea.
Source: https://www.kenresearch.com/agriculture-and-animal-care/seed/philippinesp-seed-industry-report/80167-104.html
