Working on a prosperous new year need not be strenuous.
For rice farming, gaining abundant harvest and more income may start through a fun tour, easy reading, or clicking on the mouse. So, rev up the year with new knowledge for prosperity! Check out the most convenient and most practical way of learning new knowledge about rice farming:
1. Join Palay-Aralan
Palay-Aralan provides a venue for farmers, rice farm owners, and prospective farmers to interact with subject matter specialists and learn the ways of reducing production cost and increasing income from rice. It is conducted every last Thursday of the month at the Central Experiment Station of Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. Sessions are free so book your attendance now by calling the Community Relations Office at 0926-036-3138.
2. Visit Rice Science Museum
Experience a fun yet educational visit to the country’s sole museum dedicated to Philippine rice. Located in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, the museum provides a “phygital” experience, in which leaners can know more about pests and diseases through virtual reality. Learners can also try the mobile farm apps such as the Rice Crop Manager and AgriDoc app.
The museum, which is an accredited facility by the Department of Tourism, also exhibits traditional and heirloom rice varieties, diversified rice farming systems, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems used in agriculture. It usually accommodates 2,000 visitors a month. Click www.facebook.com/ricesciencemuseum/ to schedule visits. Admissions are free.
3. Check on the Future Rice Farm in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija
Do you know that farming now is high-tech? At the Future Rice Farm, you will learn about automated and remote farming, smart farming technologies, and the use of drone technology on rice production. With good agricultural practices (GAP) certification by the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards, the farm demonstrates how farmers can cope with the rising fuel cost, trade liberalization, and climate change. Inquire about free farm visits thru www.facebook.com/FutureRice/.
4. Click on www.pinoyrice.com
When you go online, browse the PinoyRice, a one-stop source of information on Philippine rice production. It contains agricultural information resources developed by PhilRice, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), and partner-agencies. You can download ready-to-print handouts on rice and location-specific technologies, experts’ PowerPoint presentations, videos, photos, and graphics. Information on available seeds and farm machines are also uploaded.
5. Contact PhilRice Text Center: 0917 111 7423
Be one of the 35,000 plus registered clients of the PhilRice Text Center who have easy access to farm advisories, rice technology updates, and market information through call and SMS. By simply texting, you would be guided on choosing the most suitable variety to plant and on exploring the best way to grow the crop. Text Center agents are available to answer queries from Monday-Friday, 9 am-5pm.
