TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Farmers from across Kalinga joined the Provincial Rice Technology Forum Field Day which showcased innovative technologies in rice farming while providing hands-on demonstration aimed at boosting local rice production and enhancing farmer’s livelihood on April 22 at Lanlana, Lacnog West.
At least 21 private companies in the agricultural industry showcased their products from hybrid rice seeds, inorganic fertilizers, and soil ameliorants in demo farms with company technicians providing guidance on the proper application protocols.
“Ti main purpose na daytuy ket tapnu makita yu ken ma-observe yu ti best practices nga ma-observe yu ta isu ti i-adopt tayu,” Kevinjoe P. Eladjoe of DA-RFO-CAR- Rice Program said. Moving forward, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist and the Office for City Agricultural Services (OfCAS) will conduct varietal preference survey to determine the best technology and best practices for possible adoption by farmers.
The DA also presented the agricultural drone assistance in rice clusters which involves a subsidized drone service from direct seeding, fertilizer application, and fertilizer spraying.
Napoleon Ayangaang, representing Mayor Darwin C. Estrañero, said that the event facilitates knowledge transfer to farmers which is essential to keep them abreast with new technologies, maintain their competitiveness, and increase yield and profitability.
Provincial Agriculturist Domingo Bakilan and OfCAS chief Lim Ducyugen urged the farmers to embrace innovative technologies as subdued rice prices and increasing cost of inputs has put a strain on farmers income.
Ducyugen said that the event is one of the national government’s programs to decrease production cost along with provision for farm machineries, drone services, and hybrid rice seeds. He urged farmers to look into the effectiveness of bio fertilizers and soil ameliorants.
“Akseptaren tayu dagituy nga offer ti government, usaren tayu nga nasayaat, isu nga adda dagituy techno demo ta pangkitaan nu kasanu ka-epektibo,” he said. By Tabuk PIO
