High-Zinc Rice Shows Promise in Yield and Nutrition in Philippines

A high-zinc rice variety cultivated in Ilocos Norte, Philippines, has demonstrated the ability to achieve both high yields and enhanced nutritional value, significantly outperforming the national average. In Barangay Sta. Cecilia, San Nicolas, farmer Ricky de Guzman harvested 8.14 tons per hectare from NSIC Rc 648, also known as Zinc Rice 2. This yield substantially surpasses the national average palay yield of 4.07 tons per hectare recorded across all ecosystems in the first quarter of this year. It also exceeds the variety's reported yield potential of four to 7.4 tons per hectare under favorable growing conditions. Child stunting remains a significant national nutrition concern in the Philippines. The recently released 2025 Updating Survey by the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute indicated that the stunting rate among children under five years old increased to 25.3 percent in 2025 from 23.6 percent in 2023. De Guzman, a first-time grower of high-zinc rice and an experienced seed grower, volunteered to plant the variety after learning about its nutritional benefits. He typically harvests around seven to 10 tons per hectare from other rice varieties. "I was surprised that this variety can produce high yield. With proper irrigation, fertilization, and crop management, it can also compete with the high-yielding inbred varieties that many farmers prefer," he stated. NSIC Rc 648 matures in 122 days and performs best in irrigated lowland areas during both dry and wet seasons. Anielyn Alibuyog, PhilRice Batac Healthier Rice Program focal person, noted that the result signifies that farmers can produce rice with added nutritional value without compromising productivity. "This variety shows that farmers do not have to sacrifice yield to produce healthier rice. It combines nutritional value with competitive productivity, making it a promising option for farmers and consumers," Alibuyog said. While zinc is an essential micronutrient vital for immune function, children's growth and cognitive development, and maternal health, Alibuyog emphasized that the variety is not a standalone solution to stunting. However, it can support nutrition efforts by helping increase zinc intake through Filipinos' staple food. PhilRice Batac procured De Guzman's harvest for seed production and promotional stocks to encourage wider adoption of healthier rice varieties in Region I. Encouraged by his success, De Guzman plans to plant NSIC Rc 460, or Zinc Rice 1, in the upcoming wet season to help boost the supply of high-zinc rice. Farmers interested in cultivating high-zinc rice are advised to coordinate with their nearest PhilRice branch for information on seed availability and production guidelines.