Adopters of PalayCheck, a dynamic rice crop management system, are gaining significant yield increase by following the nine farm recommendations of the Philippine Rice Research Institute of the Department of Agriculture (DA-PhilRice).
Julita Velete, a farmer from Leganes, Iloilo, said her yield increased to 230cav/ha during the last cropping season from 80-100cav/ha.
“I used to be contented with yield not more than 100cav/ha. When I tried the KeyChecks in the PalayCheck system, my yield more than doubled!,” Velete exclaimed.
Velete, who learned about the PalayCheck system in a training at PhilRice Negros in 2012, said that the system became her guide in every stage of rice farming. The KeyChecks she had been practicing include using high-quality seeds of a recommended variety, well-leveling of field, practicing synchronous planting after a rest period, and ensuring sufficient number of healthy seedlings.
She also ensures that there are sufficient nutrients from tillering to early panicle initiation and flowering stage, sees to it that her rice plants are not stressed by drought and excessive water, and regularly checks on pests to avoid significant yield loss.
She also harvests at the right time when most of the grains are golden yellow; and she dries, cleans, and stores grains properly.
“There are times when I have difficulty following the recommendations but this system also changed my attitude. I learned the value of monitoring, analyzing, and improving my practices. I’m now more systematic,” she shared.
The woman-farmer further said that she observes, measures, and records crop growth performances; compares and interprets results to identify problem areas; and takes action to correct management problems next season.
“With PalayCheck, farming becomes a more stable livelihood; making it possible for me to send my three children to school. I encourage my fellow farmers to try the PalayCheck system and experience the benefits for themselves,” Velete said.
PhilRice is the government’s lead agency on rice research for development mandated to help ensure a rice-secure Philippines. With eight stations across the country, its programs and projects are in line with the DA’s “Masaganang Ani, Mataas na Kita” battlecry. For more information about the Institute’s program, queries can be sent thru PhilRice Text Center (0917 111 7423) or email (prri.mail@philrice.gov.ph).
