RAPU-RAPU, Albay — Rice farmers in this island municipality have continued using mechanized transplanting even after a techno demo was completed under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program.
For years, transplanting in Rapu-Rapu was done entirely by hand as transporting heavy machinery to the island posed logistical and cost challenges.
The introduction of a walk-behind mechanical transplanter during the PalaySikatan demonstration marked the first time local farmers were able to operate the equipment.
“Before the project, we only did manual transplanting. We saw the machine on social media, but we never expected to use it in our own fields,” said former farmer-cooperator Aniano Cantor.
Municipal Agriculturist Ronieboy B. Bilaro said the demonstrations showed farmers that mechanized transplanting was feasible under local conditions. The project also identified NSIC Rc 506 as a suitable variety for the area.
After the project ended, farmers continued planting the variety and exchanging quality seeds. In November 2024, members from five barangays namely Binasawan, Dap-Dap, Poblacion, Batan, and Bagabawan formed the BIDAPUBA Rice Farmers Association to sustain mechanized transplanting and improved farm practices introduced during the demonstrations.
In March 2025, the association formally requested a walk-behind mechanical transplanter to support its operations.
Association president Eutiquiano E. Ecal said access to the equipment could help reduce labor costs and improve planting efficiency as farmers work to strengthen rice production in the municipality.