Held in Brgy. C. Lichauco, Tayug, Pangasinan, the techno forum served as an avenue for the farmers to learn and adopt various new and applicable rice technologies to enhance rice production and yield.

In her briefing about the project, Provincial Rice Program Coordinator, Ms. Gloria de Guzman noted the importance of conducting activities such as this techno-forum as this will not just enhance the capabilities of the farmers in farming but strengthen the collaboration between and among the local government units, private sectors and other stakeholders in the rice industry.

In the same event, Tayug Vice Mayor Lorna Primicias in her message during the event reminded the farmers to be more responsible in the availment of the various DA programs and project by properly abiding with the guidelines in availing such projects and interventions most particularly in the RSBSA registration and the accreditation of farmers organization in the area.

Tayug Mayor Tyrone Agabas shared the same reminder as he encouraged the farmers to change the farmers’ mindset particularly in adopting the newest farming technologies that the techno forum has provided.

“Ngayong napatunayan ninyong aabot sa 70% milling recovery sa inyong ani ang paggamit ng hybrid seeds, bakit hindi natin ito subukan,” Mayor Agabas said.

He also encouraged the farmers present in the event to serve as an agent to inform and disseminate the relevance of using hybrid seeds to improve harvest and yield of farmers.

Meanwhile, following the techno forum in Tayug, the DA in collaboration with the 11 bio organic fertilizer companues and the Longping seed company conducted the field day of the Balance Fertilization Strategy Challenge that aims to find cost-efficient bio-organic fertilizers available in the market.

As a result of the Challenge, Mr. Nestor Blanco, a Senior Science Research Specialist reported during the event that all the 11 bio-organic fertilizers used really helped in increasing the yield of the farmers and likewise help in reducing the cost of inputs. However, there is no significant result as to which of these bio-fertilizer inputs is recommended in as much as these bio fertilizers has its own pros and cons so that farmers will have to select from among them which they find more suitable in their current needs. While some of these bio-fertilizers are expensive in price, and others may be cheaper, it is up to the farmers to select which one is appropriate to their needs,” Mr. Blanco explained.

Apart from providing farmers with information on rice production technologies, farmers were also updated with some major project guidelines to include among others the fertilizer and bio-organic fertilizer voucher, the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program and the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Program.