MUSUAN, MARAMAG, BUKIDNON, May 26 – 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 demonstration in Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon to boost rice productivity to attain rice sufficiency.

DA-10 OIC-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.

President Derije acknowledges the strengthened partnership between CMU and DA in the agri development of the university.

“The hybrid rice derby and techno demo aims to increase national agri-fishery output through intensified use of quality seeds, appropriate inputs, 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,” said RED Collado.

He further explained, 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, 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.

Through the best farming practices, farmers can feasibly adopt to increase their efficiency and productivity.

The techno demo will demonstrate the effect of various planting approaches which include mechanical, manual and direct seeding to yield using top hybrid rice varieties provided by participating companies.

The techno demo 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.

Machineries and equipment will be provided by DA-10, while seed companies will provide the seeds, fertilizers and labor in each farming activities, including technical assistance.

The preparation of the techno the demo area will be handled by CMU.# (ATCabig)