By Andre Alfonso R. Gutierrez
A homegrown agricultural innovation developed by a Filipino engineer from Oriental Mindoro is making strides in boosting rice production across the Philippines.
The Palatak Palay Seeder, designed by Engr Delfin Cuevas Jr, is gaining traction among farmers, with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) MIMAROPA.
Cuevas, originally from Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro, spent more than three decades working abroad before returning to the Philippines to focus on agricultural solutions.
As a beneficiary of DOST’s iFWD program – an initiative that helps former overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) transition into entrepreneurship – he developed the Palatak Palay Seeder to address inefficiencies in rice planting.
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Optimising efficiency through innovation
The manually operated device evenly distributes seeds at consistent intervals, promoting optimal growth conditions by improving air circulation and facilitating easier weed removal.
Unlike traditional methods, which often result in uneven planting and wasted seeds, the Palatak Palay Seeder enhances efficiency while remaining lightweight and easy to use.
According to Zaldie Gawad, Senior Science Specialist of DOST Oriental Mindoro, more than 20 provinces across the country have already adopted the technology.
The seeder’s practical design and durability have made it an attractive option for small-scale farmers looking to improve their yields without relying on expensive machinery.
Rice a critical commodity
With rice production being a critical component of the Philippine economy, innovations like the Palatak Palay Seeder play a vital role in achieving national food security goals.
As the device continues to gain acceptance among farmers, it aligns with the government’s broader push to stabilize rice prices and increase local agricultural output.
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Newsjustnews writers 
Geoffrey H. Latayan