Agustin R. Perez Jr, 45, of Kalinga, was not familiar with hybrid rice farming; but when a trusted old friend introduced hybrid to him, he did not hesitate to try.
A taekwondo instructor and farmer, Perez had always been persistent in improving his family’s life. While he was still new to hybrid rice production, he trusted in the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials that were given to him and in the assistance from PhilRice Isabela. These helped him learn how to manage his crops, which resulted in abundant harvests.
He used to plant private seeds but when he tried the public hybrid variety introduced to him by the station, he was astonished with the outcome.“I am really amazed with hybrid rice, especially NSIC Rc 204H (Mestiso 20),” Perez said. In 2018, Perez harvested more than 200 bags (58-60kg/bag) in a hectare and gained almost P200,000.
A father of two, this has been a big blessing for him considering that it was his most bountiful harvest for the past five years.
He also sees that in the next five or ten years, more farmers could improve their lives by engaging in hybrid rice farming.
