With the urgency of the rice pests issue in North Cotabato, PhilRice Midsayap conducted a forum on 2 June to tackle strategies the farmers can employ so they can still get decent yields amid prevalence of persistent pests. 
“During our farmers’ field day in April, we found that the rice fields were affected by ‘weedy rice’ – an emerging problem in the locality – and many farmers didn’t know how to address them. Hence, we organized this forum ,” said Gina Balleras, acting branch manager of the station.
Researchers from the Crop Protection Division of PhilRice Central Experiment Station gave lectures on the common weeds in the rice field, controlling weedy rice, and rat and eel management.
Jocelyn Magbanua, one of the participants, said the knowledge she gained from the lectures will be her guide in managing her rice field.
“Information is very important for us (farmers) because there are many things we do not know. Research findings such as those presented in the forum help us in making informed decision,” Magbanua said.
“Through this activity and the various interventions of PhilRice Midsayap, we hope that the farmers would be able to overcome the challenges in rice farming,” Balleras said.
Aside from the pest management forum, the participants were also briefed on the ongoing PhilRice programs and campaigns.
