As the country works to strengthen support for farmers, a rice grower who lost his eyesight continues to cultivate his land with the help of his son, showing how family support and access to government programs can help sustain agriculture.
At the edge of his rice field in Brgy. Tariken, Sultan Mastura, Abdulkadir T. Adam listens closely as his son describes what he sees—the color of the leaves, the presence of pests, and the condition of the crop.
“I still want to farm. My son tells me what he sees, and I decide what to do,” he said.
Adam, who has more than three decades of rice farming experience, lost his eyesight several years ago due to illness. Since then, his 13-year-old son, Hayder T. Adam has served as his eyes in the field.
He said family support allows him to continue farming while government programs particularly Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program helped improve his farm management.
In 2020, Adam registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), which enabled him to access certified inbred rice seeds. Mechanization support from the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) also helped ease field operations.
Before receiving RCEF seeds, he harvested an average of 2.49 t/ha. With certified seeds distributed under the program, his yield increased to over 3.3 t/ha.
He was able to buy fertilizer and cover household expenses from the additional 0.8 t/ha.
“It makes a big difference. I can save for farm inputs and still have something left for the family,” he explained.
Adam now cultivates about 1.25 ha using rice varieties NSIC Rc 222 and Rc 440. As a program participant for more than five years, he estimates saving around PhP1,500 – PhP1,800 per season from free certified seeds.
He said seed quality is crucial, especially since he relies on his son’s observations. The uniform growth and reliable germination of certified seeds give him confidence each planting season.
“I feel more confident every planting season. The seeds grow evenly, and I worry less about low yield,” he said.
Despite losing his sight, Adam continues to farm, guided by experience, supported by his family, and strengthened by programs that help increase harvests.
