The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF RESP) has trained thousands of farmers in Regions 6 and 7 involving farmer-to-farmer knowledge transfer approach, where farmer-trainers share their learnings with fellow farmers in their communities.
The program targets farmer-leaders who can easily convene meetings and influence their peers to adopt new agricultural technologies. The leaders have also established or assumed roles in farmer associations or cooperatives, bringing more projects and assistance to their areas.
One of the farmer-officers, Judy Tronco from Bayawan City, Negros Oriental, said he learned about pest and nutrient management from the training and pledged to share his insights with other members of his association. Bayawan is one of the largest rice-producing areas in the province.
Charles Montecino, provincial rice coordinator of Negros Oriental, said the program is crucial for regions facing yield challenges and contributes to overall rice sufficiency.
Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Negros has trained 452 agriculture extension workers and farmers through 15 training batches this 2023.
Farmers in the province have expressed their desire for RCEF programs’ continuity, emphasizing necessity for further agricultural development.
