MUSUAN, MARAMAG, Bukidnon, May 29 --The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10), in partnership with Central Mindanao University (CMU) and nine seed companies, launched the 50 hectares hybrid rice derby and technology demo in Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon to boost rice productivity to attain rice sufficiency.
DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and CMU President Jose Antonio G. Derije led the event in support to DA’s Plant, Plant, Plant Program or Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS) Kontra sa COVID-19 program.
“The hybrid rice derby and techno demo aims to increase national agri-fishery output through intensified use of quality seeds, appropriate inputs, and modern technologies to increase levels of productivity across all commodities to ensure food productivity, availability, accessibility, and affordability amidst the threat of COVID-19 pandemic,” Collado said.
He further explained that through DA’s Rice Resiliency Project (RRP), a quick response measure that addresses food security concerns amid the pandemic focuses to intensify campaign for the adoption of hybrid rice technology among local farmers, which intends to produce more rice to increase the national sufficiency level from 87 percent to 93 percent.
Region 10 targeted for 94 percent sufficiency level, a 12 percent increase from its preceding year target with various mitigating programs implemented to boost rice production.
RED Collado further shared that the project pursues to convince farmers to plant hybrid rice by showcasing the best farming technologies and practices through the collective efforts of DA, CMU, PLGU, and the private sector.
CMU president Derije acknowledged the strengthened partnership between CMU and DA in the agricultural development of the university.
The techno demo will demonstrate the effect of various planting approaches that include mechanical, manual, and direct seeding to yield using top hybrid rice varieties provided by participating companies.
This will cover 45 hectares, giving each seed company five hectares, to be planted with their most leading varieties using their own cultural practices protocol.
The remaining five hectares will be utilized for the one common protocol for all cultural practices, which will be adopted to all entry varieties.
DA-10 will provide machinery and equipment units, while seed companies will provide fertilizers, seeds, and labor in each farming activities, including technical assistance.
CMU will handle the preparation of the techno demo area.
Through the best farming practices, farmers can feasibly adopt technologies to increase their efficiency and productivity. (DA 10/PIA 10)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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