DuPont eyes areas for hybrid rice production in PHL

The Philippine unit of DuPont USA is looking for areas to plant hybrid rice seeds for commercial production in the country, its top official said.

DuPont Far East Inc. Philippines is currently discussing rice varieties with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), country managing director Ramon Abadilla told reporters on Thursday.

"We have already started research on growing our own hybrid rice seed locally. We are now researching the commercialization of hybrid rice grown here,” he said.

In the Philippines, DuPont is mainly engaged in the agriculture sector.

DuPont produces hybrid corn in Luisita, Tarlac and Polomoloc, South Cotabato but imports hybrid rice from India.

“We are very strong on corn but not so much on rice. For now, our corn business can supply the needs of the market,” Abadilla said.

In its Luisita plant, DuPont installed a 194,000-kilowatt solar power facility – which provides a third of its total power requirement – in a bid to sell solar panels.
 
“But even if the plant is small, it will be our testimonial to how the DuPont panels work,” Abadilla said.

The facility, which uses solar panels manufactured by Dupont Apollo, was designed and installed by Soleenergy Systems Inc. and operated by Exergy Philippines. — BM, GMA News