Farmers in three regions in Mindanao reported an increase in rice yields after adopting technologies showcased in the upgraded PalaySikatan program, a technology demonstration initiative under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Program.
Spanning five sites in Regions 10, 11, and 13, PalaySikatan 2.0 integrates modern farm machinery, agri-smart technologies, and customized training programs to improve productivity and market access for Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs). Certified inbred seeds were also distributed to the program participants.
During the recent 50ha harvest festivals, Helen Celeste from Bukidnon, recorded a yield of 7.08t/ha while Rodrigo L. Llorito from Agusan del Sur increased his yield from 5.0-6.76t/ha using Minus-One Element Technique (MOET) fertilizer recommendations, certified inbred seeds, and the PRIME Collect app for pest and disease control.
Caryl Agting, technology demonstration officer of Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Agusan, said that more farmers can benefit from the upgraded PalaySikatan through technology transfer, regular technical assistance, and dissemination of information, education, and communication (IEC) materials.
PalaySikatan 2.0 will be implemented for two cropping seasons in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur; Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte; Tago, Surigao del Sur; Maramag, Bukidnon; and Compostela, Davao de Oro.
