Brown rice for sale in Batac market. The Rayuray Farmers’ Cooperative of the RiceBIS Community in Batac City, Ilocos Norte secured a stall to sell its products, including brown rice at the city’s public market. Mayor Albert D. Chua leads the ribbon-cutting and opening of the One-Barangay-One-Product (OBOP) stall. The OBOP stall will not only provide steady supply of brown rice, but will also help the Rayuray Farmers’ Cooperative increase their income. Farmers from other barangays also display products, which are pesticide-free and were cultivated following good agricultural practices. Maribel Alupay.
Students immerse in rice planting. The UP Rural High School, in partnership with PhilRice LB, exposed its students on rice planting under the Life Skills Education 7A (Crop Science and Technology) Program, headed by Dr. Gregorio Y. Ardales Jr. (Faculty-in-Charge). Forty-five students participated in the activity, May 2.
Mechanized rice straw collection promoted in Isabela. More than a hundred rice farmers and ruminant raisers in Isabela learned about mechanized rice straw collection in the 3rd Rice Straw Baling Demonstration at PhilRice Isabela, April 30. The activity is part of the DA-BAR-funded project, titled, “Development of Sustainable Rice Straw Practices and Technologies for Bioenergy,” which promotes the use of rice straw baling as easier way to collect rice straw and its potential use on mushroom growing.
Banhi para sa Oragon. PhilRice Bicol in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Libmanan, and private companies conducted the Rice Seed System Field Day at Among Brioso’s Farm in Brgy. Ibid, Libmanan, Camarines Sur, May 6. Showcasing the recommended and preferred varieties, the activity aimed to enhance the availability and access to high quality inbred seeds in Bicol Region. Knowledge Sharing and Learning Activity was also conducted, introducing the Binhing Palay App as their source of information on rice varieties and discussions on the management of hopper burn which was observed in the demo area. Reading materials were also distributed to the 107 participating farmers.
Reaching students. PhilRice Agusan researchers Sherlyn Dawn D. Taglucop and Caryl P. Sermonia share their knowledge on farm planning, budgeting, and record keeping, April 30. The Rice Crop Manager, (description here), was also introduced to 20 agriculture students from Surigao State College of Technology and Camiguin Polytechnic State College students undergoing an on-the-job training at the station.
Ampatuan officials enhanced knowledge. Some 22 barangay officials, who will serve as catalyst and intermediaries in sharing farm technologies, participated in a two-day appreciation course on irrigated rice production at Labu-labu I, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Maguindanao. Conducted on April 10-11, the activity focused on the PalayCheck System and Palayamanan Plus. These technologies provide steps on proper rice production and tips on integrated rice-based farming.
