Membership in the Ayaoan Multipurpose Cooperative rose by 38% after participating in the PalaySikatan 2.0 technology demonstration under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program.
The demonstration site, covering 50ha of contiguous rice fields, attracted 70 farm owners who joined the cooperative following increased yields and field learning activities. From 4.52t/ha in the 2023 wet season, the group averaged 5.28t in 2024 despite typhoons Kristine, Leon, and Marce.
Cooperative chairperson Milagros E. Naing credited the gains to high-yielding inbred rice varieties such as NSIC Rc 222, Rc 480, Rc 160, and Rc 510, along with pest and nutrient management support provided through the program.
“This growth allows us to provide better support to our farmers, especially during harvest and buying seasons,” Naing said.
Implemented by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), PalaySikatan 2.0 aims to modernize rice farming through demonstration of technologies and practices that help reduce production costs and improve yields.
