Manila, April 2 -- The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) is urging rice farmers in Negros Occidental to adopt innovative practices under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) 2.0. to increase their productivity and income.

The appeal was made by officials during the 2025 Lakbay Palay dry season farmers' field day and forum themed "RCEF sa Bagong Pilipinas" held at the PhilRice-Negros Station in Murcia town on Wednesday.

In his keynote message, PhilRice deputy executive director for research Dr. Jimmy Quilang discussed science-based evidence on how farmers can increase their income.

These include increasing yield through the adoption of the PalayCheck System, exploring alternative inco...