Around 300 farmers, agricultural extension workers, representatives of the private rice seed companies and other agri-stakeholders trooped in Brgy. Cabaruan, Bacarra, Ilocos Norte for the visit of the rice demonstration project to signal the launching of the 15th National Rice Technology Forum today, July 6, 2022.
A collaborative project of the Department of Agriculture in Ilocos Region and the Philippine Rice Board, in partnership with the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Ilocos Norte and the municipality of Bacarra, the activity provided an avenue to showcase 28 hybrid rice varieties and 2 inbred varieties in the area using various rice farming technologies which the farmers could adopt in their rice farming activities.
Established at a 120-hectare farm and involves 247 farmer-cooperators, the demonstration project also showcases different technologies on cultural management practices, mechanical or direct seeding, drone seeding as well as nutrient management like the “abonong swak” recommendation.
In his message during the simple opening program held at the Bacarra Convention Center, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Marcos Manotoc recognized the importance of such activity demonstrations in improving the yield and income of rice farmers. He gave emphasis on the other components of providing good irrigation as well as marketing of products to level up the production and income of the farming communities.
Bacarra Mayor Nicomedez Dela Cruz, Jr. noted in his welcome remarks during the program the timely conduct of the NRTF as it is in line with the priority program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in increasing the production of rice at the same time lowering the price to make it not only available and accessible but also affordable to every Filipino family.
Meanwhile, Mr. Reicher Ondap, the Rice Board President called for the cooperation among the farmer-cooperators, agricultural extension workers, and other government agencies in promoting the demo project and to encourage other farmers in the nearby municipalities to adopt the technologies showcased in the demo project to improve their productivity.
The project also aim to solidify the effort of the Marcos administration to achieve a “Masagana 200” goal which is to bat for a 200 cavan per hectare production of rice in the coming harvest seasons.
With the expected yield of a minimum of 10 tons per hectare, the demo site will be harvested by the second week of September in time for the culminating activity of the 15th National Rice Techno Forum.##
