Agri NorMin together with the private seed companies stage a Cluster Hybrid Rice Derby and Farmers’ Field Day to showcase different hybrid rice varieties and technologies for farmers possible adoption.

 

VALENCIA CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) in partnership with the private seed companies conducted the cluster hybrid rice derby and farmers’ field day in Pinatilan, Valencia City, Bukidnon on Friday, March 4, 2022.

Hosted in 13.5 hectares of rice in the said barangay, it showcases the different hybrid rice varieties and technologies of SL Agritech, Corp., Seed Works, RAMGO International, Corp., LongPing, Leads Agri, Green and Grow, Inc., Davao Oriental Seed Producers Cooperative, Corteva Agriscience, Bioseed, Bayer, and Amtrac.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Bukidnon is one of the country’s top 15 provinces as hybrid rice seed users.

Director Collado further explained that the generated results of the activity will provide the local rice farmers with suitable and profitable rice varieties and technologies.

Aside from that, he reiterated that its results would be the agency’s basis for rice seed procurement, which can benefit around 5,855 rice farmers in the said city alone.

Wenie D. Doronila, a rice farmer from barangay Batangan shared that he was convinced with the performance of hybrid rice seeds, “Sa aking karanasan, mas mataas talaga ang ani ng hybrid rice. Bukod dun, mas resistant ito sa mga peste at sakit.”

Doronila started planting after the National Rice Techno Forum (NRTF) was conducted in their locality in 2020.

He also urged his fellow farmers to try using hybrid seeds to compare the difference in terms of yield and quality.

Moreover, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga also remarked, that use of appropriate hybrid seeds is one of the factors contributing to the increased productivity and profitability in rice production.

The activity was in coordination with Bukidnon Provincial Agriculture Office, Valencia City Agriculture Office, and farmer associations.# (EMB)