THE Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice)-Negros showcased modern farming technologies and cultural management practices in rice production during the LakbayPalay Field Tour held in Murcia town on October 27.
Themed “Kita kita sa Modernong Pagpanguma,” the event sought to assist farmers in the adoption of advanced technologies, including the use of high quality seeds, farm mechanization and climate smart management practices. It envisioned optimizing farmers’ productivity and reducing production costs.
Department of Agriculture (DA)-Western Visayas Technical Director for Operations and Extension Manuel Olanday said the agency will continue to support PhilRice in advancing research and development activities to aid rice farmers in the region.
He also urged the farmers to adopt up-to-date farming technologies, use hybrid rice seeds, and employ modern farm machinery. He stressed that farmers shall organize themselves into registered associations to avail of different programs and services of DA.
Provincial agriculturist Japhet Masculino said farmers in Negros Occidental supply only 80 percent of the province’s requirement with four metric tons per hectare average yield.
“Farmers shall embrace change and implement innovative farming technologies to attain its target yield of at least six metric tons per hectare,” Masculino added.
Farmer-participants toured to seed production demo sites, and learned PhilRice’s rice varieties which can adapt in varied growing conditions with its susceptibility to pests and diseases. They also visited the farm machinery demo sites, mechanization field trial site, and PhilRice Negros Water Rice Project.
Other agencies, including the National Irrigation Administration, Bureau of Plant Industry-National Seed Quality Control System, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, Philippine Carabao Center and National Dairy Authority, also participated and addressed the various concerns raised by farmers during the open forum. (PR)