The Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and DA-PhilRice Batac are intensifying the promotion of modern rice production technologies and youth engagement in agriculture through farm tourism.
MMSU Pres. Shirley Agrupis explained that the collaborative project is a “contribution to reinvigorating the agriculture sector by showcasing innovative rice production technologies.”
Farm tourism through rice paddy art established at MMSU featured Gen. Artemio Ricarte, a native of Batac City and the “Father of the Philippine Army” during the Philippine Revolution.
IR 1552, a traditional purple rice variety from Korea, and PSB Rc 82, a high-yielding inbred variety, were used in the rice paddy art in designing Gen. Ricarte using the anamorphosis principle, which gives viewers distorted 3D visual looks, but appear normal when viewed from a particular angle.
PalayCheck system, Bio-N organic fertilizer, and the Carrageenan Plant Growth Regulator were among technologies promoted to Ilocano farmers.
