DA-NorMin seals PhP1.375-M rice prod’n techno demo with CMU

 

MARAMAG, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-NorMin) has formalized its partnership with Central Mindanao University (CMU) through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for a rice production technology demonstration, held at CMU’s Office of the President Conference Room, on July 16.

The MOA marks the establishment of a techno demo on the use of biofertilizers and soil ameliorants for rice production within CMU’s 80-hectare irrigated area.

This initiative is poised to benchmark a modern, technology-driven rice cultivation in the region, with the goal of boosting yields and optimizing input use.

The agreement was signed by DA-NorMin through Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, and by CMU through its University President Rolito G. Eballe, PhD.

Under the agreement, DA-NorMin pledges to provide PhP1.375-million (M) worth of production inputs. These include 160 bags of hybrid rice seeds (PhP800k), 240 bags of fertilizers (PhP379k), and 160 bottles of crop protection chemicals (PhP196k).

The agency will also lead the project coordination and monitoring of the techno demo farm—from geo-tagging and site validation to planting and harvest data collection.

For its part, CMU shall ensure site readiness—from land preparation to harvest—and shall provide irrigation, labor, and field security. The university shall also designate caretakers for each participating company and fully implement the techno packages endorsed by the respective companies.

In his message, Dir. Pacamalan acknowledged the collaboration in advancing rice production.

“Partnering with CMU allows us at DA-NorMin to optimize our science-based approach in rice production through [their] research and development capabilities,” he said.

The agri official also stressed the agency’s shared vision with CMU to empower agriculture students with the knowledge and competencies needed to become future stewards of the agricultural sector.

Further, Dr. Eballe expressed the institution’s intent to scale up the project.

“This synergy realizes the core functions of our university: Instruction, Research, Extension, and Production.

This initiative is highly relevant, and if this will be successful, we envision to expand and extend its benefits to our adjacent communities,” the university executive said.

Further solidifying the holistic agricultural partnership between the DA-NorMin and CMU, the event also featured the signing of MOAs for the establishment of swine, duck, and goat multiplier farms.

These initiatives, with the DA at the forefront, align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive under the “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign to champion local production through modernization, mechanization, and partnerships, ultimately working toward more affordable food prices for every Filipino. # (BJCE)