Manila, Aug. 20 -- The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) on Wednesday introduced three high-yielding sugarcane varieties aimed at helping farmers raise productivity.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona led the unveiling of the new varieties - PHIL 2015-0867, PHIL 2015-0953 and PHIL 2015-0445 - during the opening of the 72nd Philippine Sugar Technologists Association (PhilSuTech) Annual National Convention in Cebu City.

"The plan is to start with micropropagation. Within six months, we can release the new varieties, prioritizing small farmers and those who are part of block farms," Azcona said in an interview.

In four locations, PHIL 2015-0867 has an average yield...