PhilRice Magazine 2010 1Q by Philippine Rice Research Institute

ABOUT THE COVER PhilRice is scaling-up its technology platforms, particularly PalayCheck, making them more customized to farmers’ fields such as the irrigated areas in Albay. Through its location-specific technology development (LSTD) program, yield constraints will be mitigated toward helping increase rice production to sufficiency levels.

contents

4 Holistic approach in attaining rice self-sufficiency doing development work adopted

4 LSTD-ICT caravans in Camarines Sur 5 PhilRice engineers conferred scientists 5 Thai princess visits PhilRice FEATURES 6 New rice technologies break barriers in Cordillera

8 Bringing back the grains after tungro attack

10 Conquering rice production woes in Bohol

12 PhilRice “soldiers” combat rice sufficiency gap

14 LSTD sets the formula for increasing Iloilo’s high rice yield

16 LSTD takes center stage in TuGASIA 18 The shifting tide in Sultan Kudarat 20 From bust to boom: LSTD ‘hits’ Aurora 22-23 Unleashing LSTD potentials in South Cotabato

24-25 Romblon farmers give two thumbs, eight fingers more up to LSTD

27 Ask the experts: Pabago-bagong klima

The editors encourage readers to photocopy and circulate articles with proper acknowledgment. Everyone is also invited to contribute articles to this magazine (600-800 words plus at least four photos/illustrations with credits). You may likewise suggest topics, or refer individuals and organizations engaged in rice and rice-based activities whose stories are worth featuring. Please email ablanuza@ philrice.gov.ph or by mail to:

THE EDITOR PhilRice Magazine Development Communication Division Philippine Rice Research Institute, Maligaya Science City of Muñoz, 3119 Nueva Ecija ®

Editors JUANITO F. GOLOYUGO CONSTANTE T. BRIONES ANDREI B. LANUZA

Contributors HANAH HAZEL MAVI M. BIAG ELLA LOIS T. BESTIL CHRISTINA A. FREDILES CHARISMA LOVE B. GADO RODEL D. OREJUDOS SALEMBAI A. ABDULLAH IMELDA DG. OLVIDA MARC ELVIN T. LOZANO EV A. PARAC MA. ADRIELLE D. SOLSOLOY LOU FRANZ G. MULA Design and Layout CARLO G. DACUMOS Illustrations CARLITO N. BIBAL Circulation AMOR VIRDI G. ACOSTA Editorial Adviser RONILO A. BERONIO PhilRice Stations Central Experiment Station Maligaya, Science City of Muñoz, 3119 Nueva Ecija Trunklines: (44) 456-0258; -0277, -0285 Email: prri@philrice.gov.ph

PhilRice Agusan

Basilisa, RTRomualdez, 8611 Agusan del Norte Tel: (85) 818-4477; 343-0778 Tel/Fax: 343-0768 Email: agusan@philrice.gov.ph

PhilRice Batac

MMSU Campus, Batac City, 2906 Ilocos Norte Tel/Fax: (77) 792-2545, -4702 Email: batac@philrice.gov.ph

PhilRice Isabela

23 Usapang Magsasaka

Volume 23 No. 1 January-March 2010 Website: www.philrice.gov.ph Farmers’ Text Center: 0920-911-1398

Managing Editor LOU FRANZ G. MULA JAIME A. MANALO IV

NEWS

JANUARY-MARCH 2010, Vol. 23 No. 1

Malasin, San Mateo, 3318 Isabela Tel: (78) 664-2954 • Tel/Fax: 664-2953 Email: san_mateo@philrice.gov.ph

PhilRice Los Baños

UPLB Campus, Los Baños, 4030 Laguna Tel: (49) 536-3631 to 33, Tel/Fax: 536-3515; -0484 Email: los_banos@philrice.gov.ph

PhilRice Midsayap

Bual Norte, Midsayap, 9410 North Cotabato Tel: (64) 229-8178 • Tel/Fax: 229-7242 Email: midsayap@philrice.gov.ph

PhilRice Negros

Cansilayan, Murcia, 6129 Negros Occidental Tel/Fax: (34) 446-0835 • Cell: 09285060515 Email: negros@philrice.gov.ph

PhilRice Field Office

CMU Campus, Maramag, 8714 Bukidnon Tel/Fax: (88) 222-5744

he adage nags. In business and management, it insists that not all people or customers are the same and, thus, should be treated differently. Rice farms are like people, they differ. Not all farms face the same problems, or show the same needs. Some farms may be drowning, others could be thirsty. One farm may be deficient in a few specific nutrients, which may be different from a farm nearby. Treating farms like they were all the same is one of the biggest mistakes one can commit in rice farming. It’s like trying to cure different patients with just one antibiotic. Realizing there is no panacea or “cure-all” to the national problem of rice insufficiency, the Location-Specific Technology Development (LSTD) strategy treats each rice farm and farmer as individuals. With LSTD, PhilRice gives each farm the “personal touch”. From seeds to nutrient management to pest management, LSTD will tailor-fit recommendations based on the location and pinpointed needs of each farm. This way, farmers are not just able to help the country attain rice self-sufficiency but also improve their conditions, without necessarily changing their way of life. LSTD basically survives on what a farmer has. To help achieve its goals, PhilRice dispatches rice sufficiency officers (RSOs) to provinces nationwide. Young and idealistic, with fresh agriculture or related degrees from various universities, these RSOs are armed to the teeth with the latest knowledge in rice production from PhilRice. Their mission: help farmers get higher yields through the package of technologies they have learned from their months of intensive training in PhilRice. They team up with the local stakeholders of rice production led by local government officials. The biggest challenge of all is to first improve the attitude of farmers. Thankfully, the RSOs’ dedication and willingness to help have led more farmers into wanting to further improve their lives. Farmers are realizing that faster ways of improving one’s life through better technologies and techniques in rice production abound, if they are only willing to try them. Basic things like choosing the correct variety to plant had been oftentimes overlooked. Variety can actually make all the difference between attaining high or low yields, farmers begin to admit.

editorial

Different strokes, for different folks... or farms

There is nothing wrong with practicing old methods in rice farming. And there’s also no-thing wrong with adopting new ones, particularly if the benefits follow. This is the very essence of LSTD. It doesn’t seek to replace existing methods and practices of rice farmers. It supplements them with technologies best suited for any certain area. After all, why try to fix something that isn’t broken? Call it seasoning art with some science. A famous movie once quoted that “the only way to reach the future is to work together”. With the government, through PhilRice and its allies intensively promoting LSTD among far-mers, rice self-sufficiency may soon be a reality. JANUARY-MARCH 2010, Vol. 23 No. 1

news

Holistic approach in attaining rice self-sufficiency, doing development work adopted

dvocating the Rice Science for Sustainable Human Development (S4D) battlecry, PhilRice has crafted its corporate plan for 2010-2013 (medium-term) and 2014-2020 (long-term) to help farmers achieve holistic development.

“More than helping the country become rice-sufficient, PhilRice pursues a more aggressive development work for our farmers, addressing not just their yields, but all other equally important facets of their lives,” Atty. Ronilo A. Beronio, PhilRice Executive Director, stated in a document detailing the Institute’s direction in five to 10 years. Contextualized within the country’s national development goals, PhilRice will pursue the following in five to 10 years: helping to attain and sustain rice self-sufficiency; reducing poverty and malnutrition; and achieving competitiveness in agricultural science and technology (S&T). S4D optimizes science to improve the lives of Filipinos. “It has come to pass that research and development are combined as one whole, where research is our main focus. Now, we have expanded the meaning of development to human development,” Beronio said. To achieve the goal of helping to attain and sustain rice self-sufficiency, PhilRice is set to accomplish the following, among other things: develop next-generation inbred and hybrid rice varieties with dry season 4

yield potentials of 12 and 14 t/ha, respectively; generate varieties that address climate change; commercially manufacture production and post-production machines such as mechanical transplanter, precision seeder, and reversible airflow dryer; and produce recommendations on nutrient management appropriate for drought, submergence, and saline-prone environments. Moreover, PhilRice aims to help reduce poverty and malnutrition in its location specific technology development project sites by 50 percent. It also

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LSTD-ICT caravans in Cam Sur towns

lose to a thousand farmers, extensionists, and local chief executives participated in the locationspecific technology developmentinformation and communication technologies (LSTD-ICT) caravan conducted in Camarines Sur, Dec. 8-11, 2009. The activities were held in Libmanan, Calabanga, and Pili. Local government units and the DA-Regional Field Unit V, led by Regional Executive Director Dr. Jose V. Dayao, assisted in the conduct of the said events. - By Imelda DG. Olvida

aims to alleviate the annual per capita poverty threshold in rural areas. Specifically, PhilRice will generate hybrid and inbred varieties with pro-vitamin A, high in zinc and iron, and nutraceutical. Furthermore, rice farming households will be trained to be entrepreneurs. In realizing competitiveness in agricultural S&T, the Institute will carry out more dynamic staff development plans and modernize its R&D facilities. Rice S&T education will also be promoted among the youth. Meanwhile, Agriculture Sec. Arthur C. Yap noted that PhilRice’s corporate plan “tackles concerns with such emphasis to lend credence to the long-running desire of the government to provide the best for the farmers.” - By Charisma Love B. Gado

hilRice now has seven scientist rank holders after engineers Ricardo F. Orge and Dr. Manuel Jose C. Regalado took oath as Scientist I during the Fourth Scientific Symposium of the Philippine Association of Career Scientists at Richmonde Hotel in Pasig City, Dec. 1, 2009. Orge and Regalado were conferred in July by the Philippine Scientific Career Council, an evaluating body established by the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Science and Technology. Papers published in Information for Scientific Information (ISI)-listed journals, such as the Philippine Agricultural Scientist helped Orge and Regalado merit the distinction. Orge has patented the rice flour mill, while Regalado has commercialized the rotary reaper and the laboy tiller farm machines. Regalado said the title has encouraged him to achieve more. He is pleased that his efforts in rice research were recognized. Orge said, “Pursuit of knowledge does not end here. There are more responsibilities to come and goals to pursue.” During the same occasion, PhilRice received a plaque of appreciation for its “outstanding leadership in producing a

PhilRice engineers conferred scientists significant number of career scientists under the 2006 Merit System for the Scientific Career System.” Six PhilRice staff members currently hold Scientist I ranks: Dr. Constancio A. Asis Jr., Dr. Rolando T. Cruz, Dr. Gabriel O. Romero, Regalado, Orge, and Dr. Evelyn B. Gergon. Dr. Eulito U. Bautista, PhilRice deputy executive director for research, is Scientist III. Their ranks yield monetary rewards such as increase in monthly basic salary and rice and travel allowances. Some of the requirements for the scientist rank include scientific discoveries

and inventions, patent of a technology, a machine, or utility model, comprehensive documentation of research accomplishments for the last 10 years, and published research papers in an ISI-listed journal. The 2006 Merit System is a provision that gives credit to researchers who are dedicated to research and development, invention and innovation, science and technology education, training, and services. For more information on the 2006 Merit System for the Scientific Career System, visit http://scs.dost.gov.ph. - By Lou Franz Mula

Thai Princess visits PhilRice

er Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand visited PhilRice Los Baños on Nov. 17 as part of her journey to the Philippines. Often described as “a tireless community and social development worker, a dedicated educator, and an upright leader,” she is also referred to as the “Princess of Technology.” During the visit, she showed interest in all of the PhilRice technologies presented by junior researchers and senior consultants on milled rice amylose content classification, Minus-One Element Technique, and hybrid rice breeding, production, and protocols. - By Imelda DG. Olvida

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New rice technologies break barriers in Cordillera By Hanah Hazel Mavi M. Biag

“For more than three decades of farming, it is only through the LSTD program that I discovered the right technology to improve my yield.”

ringing new rice technologies closer to Cordillera farmers means breaking barriers such as mountains with towering peaks. More so, this means giving the farmers another reason to continue to make a living through rice farming.

Visible government

“Through the Location-Specific Technology Development (LSTD) program, the government becomes closer to the people in the countryside, teaching new rice farming techniques that recognize our practices and uplifting farmers’ status of living.

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We felt we are really valued,” said Renero Tambalong, 46, of Tayum, Abra. He hoped that the overwhelming support of the government will always be at hand. In return, he will never hesitate to try any technology introduced by government workers. Farmers in Tayum also highly recognize other government people such as the agricultural extension worker (AEW) and rice sufficiency officer (RSO) in implementing the LSTD program. “If not for Romero Ramos and RSO Eliezer Riñen, we would have a hard time boosting what we previously learned in rice farming,” Carmelita Rapisora, 51, said.

“Typhoon can never hinder them from coming to our place. They never fail us. That’s why we always lend them our ears and practice what they preach. They deserve to be recognized for their patience and dedication,” Jaime Tuzon, 56, shared.

Learning the right way

During the first few days of the LSTD program implementation in Luna, Apayao, not everyone took interest in attending lectures like Anita Ulita, 50. But later on, as fate dictated, she found herself attending lectures as her house became the meeting place of the farmers upon suggestion of their AEW. From a plain housewife, she became her husband’s adviser when it comes to farming. “We are encouraged not to use pesticides if infestation doesn’t reach intolerable levels,” Ulita said. Like Ulita, farmers in Tayum also kept with them farming tips from lectures and fieldworks. Juanito Alvarez, 55, remembered that a 3-5 cm water depth should be maintained for optimum crop growth and yield. Elfredo Tuscano, 48, stressed the use of 40-kg certified seeds in a hectare to save on cost. “I recognize the need to properly level my field to reduce weed incidence. But I failed to practice this because I don’t own a hand tractor or the means to rent one,” Tuzon said. Tambalong, on the other hand, said that varietal demonstration gives them the idea that not all new varieties yield better in a particular place. “Thanks to LSTD, we now know what rice varieties are best suited to Tayum’s conditions,” he said.

technology to improve my yield,” said Gregorio Tapo, 82, of Luna. Tapo was once an observer during a meeting on the LSTD program. The good news brought by the program fell not on deaf ears as Tapo attended every succeeding LSTD lecture and fieldwork. He was grateful for having his field chosen as the technology demonstration farm for the program. “I practice every single recommendation taught to us. How can I say that the technology really works if I haven’t tried it? It’s as if I’m making a fool of myself,” Tapo said. It was just a single thought that persuaded him not to doubt the new technologies – that the government will not introduce technologies that will worsen their situation.

“I didn’t regret leaving much of my old practices behind. For many years, it proved nothing. That’s why I pity those farmers who wait-or-see on the advantages that new technologies offer as shown in my own farm,” Tapo said. Asked about the practices that he learned from the program, he said using 2-3 seedlings per hill really increased the plant’s number of tillers; that using the leaf color chart could assess the plant’s need for nitrogen fertilizer; and that using the MinusOne Element Technique (MOET) could actually assess the plant’s nutrient deficiency. “I regularly visit my farm to see for myself even the smallest change happening to my crop after adopting the new technologies,” he shared. “If not for the three typhoons in 2009, I would be enjoying an increase in my yield. But, I’m still looking forward to a bountiful harvest this coming dry season. I know that my new learning won’t fail me,” Tapo said with a smile. Ulita is learning to love the craft of rice farming through LSTD.

Tapo can now to assess plant nutrient deficiency, thanks to MOET.

Search is over

“For more than three decades of farming, it is only through the LSTD program that I discovered the right JANUARY-MARCH 2010, Vol. 23 No. 1

rancia Tolentino-Azuela of Calabanga, Camarines Sur still recalls her disappointment when she and her husband failed to buy in cash their dream farm equipment to welcome the new year. To facilitate easier farming, they had planned to cash out for a land master – a machine used for land preparation – from their expected income for the wet season. However, rice tungro disease hit their farm; losing their grains.

Bringing back

the grains after tungro attack By Charisma Love B. Gado

Like Francia, farmer-participants of the Location-Specific Technology Development (LSTD) program in Calabanga and Libmanan mustered their hopes to forget their helplessness watching their fields turn yellow, wilt, and then die. The Bureau of Agricultural Statistics confirmed tungro attacks in the rice-producing towns of Calabanga, Pili, San Jose, and Tigaon in October last year that affected 531.38 ha and an estimated yield loss of 30-100 percent.

Persecuted by tungro

Tungro, which means degenerated growth, causes stunted rice plants and less tillers. Owing to the uncontrolled occurrence of tungro disease, Francia only harvested 46 cav/ha. She had expected 130 cav/ha. Meanwhile, Romeo Capal, a farmer for 20 years in Brgy. BonotSta. Rosa, Calabanga, harvested 22 cav in his 0.5 ha farm, where normally he gets 60 cav. Roland Bautista, 26, of Brgy Inalahan, Libmanan had a more depressing experience. The land he tills for his father – a barangay captain – was totally devastated, leaving them nothing. However, the 200 m2 he allotted for one of the varieties showcased in the LSTD rice variety trial yielded 32 kg. Ricardo Cabucungan, 55, also shares similar experience. His 200 m2 allocation for

Romeo Capal thanks the Greatest Farmer of All who saved some of his crop from the devastating tungro.

a variety in the LSTD trial gained 25 kg.

Optimism from LSTD

It was raining as the farmers in Calabanga and Libmanan prepared their lands. With the rains came their promise of applying the knowledge they received from RSO Francis Anthony Malabanan and Sheryl Cosa. Described as patient, sensitive to their needs, and hardworking, the RSOs promote, monitor, and evaluate technologies suited for specific areas.

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Francia Tolentino-Azuela (R) and RSO Sheryl Cosa plan the layout of the demonstration field for the dry season implementation of the LSTD project in their area.

Ricardo Cabucungan (R) and RSO Anthony Francis Malabanan evaluate the potted rice plants, which are being diagnosed using MOET– a reliable, low-cost, and easy alternative technique for determining nutrient limitations. In spite of the depressing low yield he harvested last wet season, Roland Bautista is hopeful for an abundant harvest as the attack of tungro in his field made him a wiser farmer.

With LSTD, farmers can “see with their own eyes” and experience the technologies, which they think are best for their rice farms. The attack of tungro and their helplessness in fighting the disease brought about the commitment of some 20 farmers in Brgy Sogod, Calabanga to practice synchronous planting. Planting of the same crop in an area at a certain period in a cropping season, breaks the cycle of the disease. This practice starves the carrier of the disease; preventing its multiplication. “Kahit na ginagawa ko ang alam kong nakabubuti sa aking palayan, kung hindi naman gumagaya ang nasa aking paligid, hindi pa rin maganda ang aking magiging ani dahil kailangan ang kooperasyon para labanan ang tungro (My effort would be useless if my farm-neighbors wouldn’t cooperate),” Roland said. For Romeo, Roland, and Ricardo, the tungro attack could be considered a blessing in disguise as they discovered a new resistant variety. “Wala akong inani pero ‘yung sa tinanim kong NSIC Rc152, may nakuha akong 25 kg sa 200 m2 (I harvested nothing from the variety that

I planted, but with PSB Rc152 [one of the varieties on trial], I got 25 kg from the 200 m2,” Ricardo said. In another farm, Roland said he harvested 10 cav in their 2.5 ha.

“With LSTD , farmers can see with their own eyes and experience the technologies, which they think are best for their rice farms.”

Their average yield is 80 cav/ha. “Siguro nga ang pinakanatutunan ko sa nangyaring ito sa aming bukid ay ang pamimili ng tamang variety (What I learned most in this tungro attack is choosing the right variety),” he said.

Meanwhile, veteran farmer Manoy Romeo said farmers have all their ups and downs, and that every struggle teaches them how to recover successfully. “Hindi lang tungro ang umaatake sa amin. Bacterial leaf blight din at kuhol. Pero ok lang dahil may natutunan kami. Nitong huli, na-tungro lahat ang mga palay, pero ‘yung mga tanim ay PSB Rc18, may naani kahit konti (We’re also attacked by bacterial leaf blight and golden apple snail. But that’s okay, for we learned things. During the tungro outbreak, all farms were affected, except those fields planted with PSB Rc18),” he narrated. With this, Romeo intends to plant PSB Rc18 for the 2010 dry season. As a barangay official, Francia urged her co-farmers and their wives to participate in the LSTD project so that someday, farmers would have savings that they could use for emergencies. With LSTD, she believes that farmers in Camarines Sur would have a better life as the technologies they would adopt and localize will hopefully bring back the grains that tungro stole from them. JANUARY-MARCH 2010, Vol. 23 No. 1

efore, rice farmers in Candijay and Alicia, Bohol farmed in the name of tradition, subsistence, and restlessness. Now, in the name of success, they farm for sufficiency or surplus. For instance, Vicky Romero, 44, of Poblacion Candijay, ventured into rice farming as a hand-me-down way of life. “I farm because my parents were rice farmers,” Vicky said. She used to harvest less than 50 bags in 1 ha, which is insufficient to pay her debts, until the Location-Specific Technology Development (LSTD) program came.

They came, saw, and conquered

In Candijay, the rice fields of Vicky and her sister-in-law Virginia, 55, were planted with PSB Rc18. For more than 20 years in rice farming, their fields were stricken with tungro, whiteheads, bacterial leaf streak, and sheath blight. At 35 kg/bag, Vicky’s usual yield was less than 50 bags/ha, while Virginia’s yield averaged 68 bags/ha - short even for paying their debts. Meanwhile, rice fields in Alicia have acidic Ubay clay loam soils, thus, lack the necessary nutrients. In addition to the problematic soil, the rice plants of Rolando Hingpit, 36, and Dioscoro Metuda, 43, suffer from

blight, while rats infest the field of Andres Apa-ap, 40. “Our yields were enough. But we need even just a little surplus to pay for other equally important expenses such as education of my children,” said Dioscoro when asked how his harvest was then. This was the rice production scenario when the PhilRice’s LSTD program was introduced in Bohol in July 2009. The program developed a package of technologies anchored on the PalayCheck System and subjected to trial this year. “I’m glad I joined the LSTD seminars despite my husband’s nonattendance. During the lectures, I learned that high occurrence of pests

Conquering rice production woes in Bohol By Ella Lois T. Bestil

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and diseases could be prevented with synchronous planting scheme after a fallow period,” Virginia said. Not only can Virginia and Vicky possibly increase their yields by outsmarting pests and diseases. Perhaps, they can now also save money for ferti-lizers. “Through the Leaf Color Chart, we know when and how much nitrogen should be applied. It really helped us save money for fertilizers,” said Vicky. Dioscoro (L)) and Andres(R), as FIs committed themselves by bringing LSTD home to others. When Rolando joined LSTD, he spent the same cost but got a better harvest.

Temporary setback

Vicky Romero

LSTD came in late in Alicia because rice farmers have finished planting before an LSTD rice sufficiency officer (RSO) came. Despite that, Dioscoro was so glad LSTD came. “Others do not like my field since it seemed like a magnet for farm failures. But because our RSO taught us about LSTD, I will now be able to apply techniques suited to my field conditions,” Dioscoro said. So was Andres, the farmer-innovator (FI) in Alicia. Despite his vast knowledge in rice farming, he still participated in LSTD seminars and committed himself to inviting others. “I know I will earn more in rice farming, especially with LSTD. I also invited my son to participate,” Andres said. In Rolando’s case, he had tangible evidence to show he did not regret farming and joining the LSTD. He was a pizza baker before, stopped,

Virginia Romero

went home, and decided to farm. His expenses in farming (0.3 ha demo site) reached more than P6,000. While he incurred more or less the same expenses after implementing LSTD during the first cropping season, his harvest improved. From the usual 151 bags, he had 255 bags yield from his 2.5 ha. He had enough money to pay for his children’s education.

“Through the Leaf Color Chart, we know when and how much nitrogen should be applied. It really helped us save money for fertilizers.”

In his 1-ha field, Dioscoro usually harvests 80 bags. After joining the LSTD, his rice yield decreased to 68! What went wrong? Dioscoro learned about nutrient management from LSTD. However, he wanted to try other means of applying nutrients to his rice crops. He experimented applying a bio-organic commercial fertilizer for good seed growth. True enough, his seedlings grew taller and better than his friends’. However, no tillering happened, which resulted in decreased yield. Moreover, he found that his fertilizer timing and rate were faulty. Despite his temporary setback and wasted expenses, the more he became prudent and eager to learn more. “A farmer needs to accept failures and get used to them. Expenses? They are inevitable if you want to get good harvest,” Dioscoro said. He added he would make up for his failures come next cropping season. It is remarkable to note that the Candijay and Alicia farmers stuck to LSTD despite some problems. In fact, Dioscoro goes from house to house inviting other rice farmers to join the LSTD program.

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ike soldiers sent to the battlefield, rice sufficiency officers (RSOs) are determined to win the fight for rice self-sufficiency right in the farmers’ fields. RSOs support the quest to achieve and sustain enough rice supply for all Filipinos.

RSOs are agriculture graduates trained on the PalayCheck System, a package of rice technologies and practices for improved rice yield, and on Palayamanan, a diversified rice cropping system.

Working as an RSO

After a four-month training at PhilRice, RSOs are deployed to their respective provincial assignments. “At first, I was very hesitant knowing it is my first job, and I had to deal with farmers and local government units. It’s a good thing PhilRice trained us, which gave me strength and confidence to do extension works,” said Mitchie Anne G. Sibucao, RSO of Luna, Apayao. RSOs are expected to work in at

PhilRice “soldiers” rice sufficiency gap By Christina Abadilla-Frediles

least three sites each, with 30 participants in each site. They conduct farmers’ field schools, regular field visits, and weekly lectures. “Convincing farmers to try the PalayCheck System is a big challenge. They claimed there were so many technologies that were introduced to them with no yield difference at all from their traditional practices,” said Eliezer N. Rinen, RSO of Tayum, Abra. “Making them feel that they are important in our rice self-sufficiency quest will serve as take off point for their adoption of the system,” Rinen added. Meanwhile, Alvin Bondoc, RSO of Pudtol, Apayao said RSOs need to show their determination to help farmers

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increase their rice yields. This way, they will be successful in getting farmers’ trust and cooperation in the LSTD undertakings. “Being an RSO is very challenging. The reward, however, is great once you see farmers beaming with smiles on their faces because of good harvest,” said Bondoc. According to Helen Dayo, agriculture technician of Apayao, DA-PhilRice is very lucky to have dedicated and hardworking RSOs. “Our RSOs in Apayao visit our fields even on Saturdays and Sundays, especially during rainy days. They don’t mind doing overtime work,” Dayo added.

” combat p “By building good relationships with farmers through RSOs, we can better enrich their knowledge and customize our technologies for them,” said PhilRice Executive Director Ronilo A. Beronio.

and a problem, as rice plants will be prone to lodging and pests. Moreover, proper timing of fertilizer application was also taught. “Demonstration sites showing farmers’ practices versus the PalayCheck System recommendations enable farmers to see for themselves the difference,” Bondoc said. Meanwhile, Mark William Santos, RSO in Camarines Sur, recommends to farmers the use of NSIC Rc152, Rc158, and Rc120 because of their resistance to tungro. There were a number of reported cases of tungro infestation in the province. In addition, Santos attested, “Using the Minus-One Element Technique (MOET) helps a lot in determining the nutrient lacking in the soil.”

Close encounter with farmers Helping achieve rice suffiMario Nieto, a farmer-cooperator in San Ildefonso, Bulacan, used to ciency through LSTD plant seven seedlings/hill. However, he learned from RSOs that three seedlings/ hill are enough. In fact, he harvested 72.5 cav after following said recommendation. His usual harvest before was 69 cav in his 0.5 ha. In addition, he also learned that too much fertilizer application is expensive

“By identifying yield constraints in farms, our RSOs can conduct an onfarm research with farmers to develop location-specific crop management technologies,” Ruben B. Miranda, PhilRice Deputy Executive Director for Development, said.

PhilRice will hire around 300 RSOs until 2013 in support of the LSTD, Miranda added. Today, 88 RSOs are deployed in different provinces. “No matter how good the technology is, if farmers, local government units, and PhilRice will not synergize to achieve rice sufficiency, everything will be put into waste. We all need to do our part,” Miranda said.

“By building good relationships with farmers through RSOs, we can better enrich their knowledge and customize our technologies for them.”

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LSTD sets the formula for increasing Iloilo’s

high rice yield

loilo devotes 74% of its land area for rice agriculture. No wonder it is 162% rice-selfsufficient, rice granary of Region VI, constant rice exporter to its neighboring provinces, and one of the top 10 rice-producing provinces in the Philippines.

According to the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, Iloilo contributes significantly to the national rice production with about 25,000 ha of irrigated and 20,000 ha of rainfed areas. 14

By Marc Elvin T. Lozano

Bigger farms mean huge harvest. But does this mean that individual farmers enjoy the same bountiful harvest? Not necessarily. “Bountiful harvest is measured not by total rice production alone, but through the rice productivity of individual farmers,” PhilRice Executive Director Ronilo Beronio said. To augment the yield and income of Iloilo farmers, Location-Specific Technology Development (LSTD) is now being introduced by rice sufficiency officers (RSOs) in the area. “We haven’t seen yet the yield

JANUARY-MARCH 2010, Vol. 23 No. 1

results of the different varietal trials of LSTD, but we are optimistic that this will be the key to a more productive farming in Iloilo,” Julio Arania, a retired engineer, said. Through LSTD, varietal trials are being conducted to determine the suitable and high-yielding variety for farm sites. “The key toward bountiful harvest is the choice of seed,” Arania added. Seeing the standing crops, Iloilo farmers’ optimism is high even as they await the results of the LSTD trials.

LSTD allows lectures and interactions with different farmers about the latest farming technologies.

“They have more tillers and bigger grains. Our standing crops really look good,” Rodolfo Arroyo, a farmer from Barangay Merced, Banate, Iloilo, said as he compared the standing crops of LSTD with their traditional practices. However, LSTD goes beyond varietal trials. It provides farmers with the latest technologies in rice farming. Through lectures and discussions facilitated by RSOs, farmers are able to share their individual farming experiences and practices.

Seeds for Iloilo

According to Clark Melendres, RSO in Brgy. Batu, Passi City, Iloilo, farmers consider pest and disease resistance, high-yielding, and good quality grains in choosing their rice seeds. In Batu, LSTD sites use PSB Rc82 as farmers’ preferred variety, and NSIC Rc154-160 as experimental new varieties. Choosing seeds in Batu will no longer be a guessing game after the results of these trials. When LSTD was not yet introduced to farmer-innovators in Iloilo, they were like classmates in the same row cheating. Once they see their neighboring farm get a better yield,

Farmers measure the water level using a meter stick in one of the LSTD sites in Dingle, Iloilo as part of the Agro-Ecosystem Analysis they have learned from PhilRice through an RSO.

they will use the same seed and copy the same practice. Through LSTD, farmers need not “cheat,” as they are guided by the PhilRice-trained RSOs who are equipped with the latest rice farming technologies.

Farming technologies being introduced

Arlene Dela Cruz, 62, is a farmer in Banate, Iloilo. She has allotted 500 m2 of her farm land for LSTD, and another 500 m2 for her usual rice farming. “I am spending more in my traditional practice than in my LSTD plot. I didn’t know that on my field, 10 kg of 14-14-14 has the same effect with 4 kg of 21-0-0,” Dela Cruz said. She based her fertilizer rate from the Minus-one Element Technique (MOET) and Leaf Color Chart (LCC) recommendations taught to them in LSTD. MOET is a useful tool in diagnosing what nutrient is wanting in the soil, while the LCC is a tool for assessing the nitrogen fertilizer needs of the rice plant. Dela Cruz is now aware that pesticide application should be taken only as a last resort. Before, she applied pesticide at the first sight of insect

pests in her rice farm. “We were taught that not all insects in the fields are harmful. Some are even beneficial. Frequent spraying will kill both the harmful and beneficial organisms in our fields,” Dela Cruz said. RSO Mark Gamboa warned farmers should closely monitor the insect pests in their rice farm. Some insects might be harmful during tillering, but will just be a visitor during maturity. A good example are the planthoppers that attack during early tillering to flowering stages. Their presence, however, can be tolerated during the plants’ milk stage to maturity. From seed to seed, technologies taught in LSTD have been very vital in attaining better rice yield. While LSTD results are yet to be seen, signs of improved individual productivity are visible. Best seed picks plus best practices equals best yields- a rice farming formula the Ilonggo farmers will keep. “While Iloilo is one of the top rice-producing provinces in the country, it still has a huge untapped potential for increased rice yield. We target to increase yield by 2 cav/ ha more per cropping,” Melendres added.

JANUARY-MARCH 2010, Vol. 23 No. 1

LSTD takes center stage

in TuGASIA

“

My co-farmers knew that I was a stubborn farmer. Seeing that I have changed my farming practices, they were convinced to try the new technologies I started adopting,” said Elpidio Grancho, 60, of Brgy. Tuganay, Carmen, Davao del Norte.

Elpidio is the president of the Tuganay Guadalupe Anibongan Salvacion Irrigators’ Association (TuGASIA), a group of farmer-participants 16

By Ev A. Parac

in the Location-Specific Technology Development (LSTD) program of PhilRice. LSTD aims to help farmers develop specific rice technologies that are suitable in their area to help increase productivity in support of the Philippine government’s rice self-sufficiency program. Leading the TuGASIA with 39 members is a challenging responsibility. Fortunately for Elpidio, his close friends, Julian Rodado, Jr. and Rosendo Molina, are supporting him

JANUARY-MARCH 2010, Vol. 23 No. 1

as fellow farmer-participants. Leading by example is how Mang Elpidio describes the strategy that he and his fellow officers use in guiding rice farmers to adopt new and better farming technologies. As officers, the three men work as one as LSTD farmer-innovators.

Innovating leader

With 6 ha of rice land and 35 years of farming experience, Elpidio is the favorite of several chemical

companies that use his field as a product demonstration plot. Where before he sprayed pesticides at the slightest occurrence of pest, he abandoned this practice since joining a farmers’ field school (FFS) on PalayCheck in 2008. “Before, all insects are pests. But now, I advocate integrated pest management (IPM) so that farmers save on money and the environment from toxic chemicals,” Elpidio said. Elpidio also learned the value of synchronous planting to reduce pest occurrence, and a properly levelled field in managing weeds and in conserving irrigation water. He now puts back rice straw in the field to decompose and add nutrients to the soil, and uses carbonized rice hull to improve soil condition. The farmers’ group is focused on LSTD for two seasons now. With LSTD, Elpidio realized the importance of choosing a variety not merely on the basis of yield, but more importantly, on suitability to the field. “I love the idea of the variety adaptation trial of the LSTD program, which is why I allotted 1,000 m2 of my field for it. I like how NSIC Rc158 and Rc160 performed,” he said. The other varieties planted for variety adaptation trials were NSIC Rc122, PSB Rc18, and PSB Rc82. Elpidio got a yield of 8.5 t/ha with Rc18 during the 2008 wet season, indeed a significant increase from his usual yield of 6-7 t/ha from hybrid varieties that he used to plant. As a result, Elpidio has a good idea on what variety to plant for the next season. He thinks that the change in his farming practices by adopting location-specific technology recommendations could explain why he

was elected president of the group. “They say I’m a good example, so they voted me as president,” Elpidio said.

LSTD advocates

Helping out Elpidio in managing the group are his close friends, Julian, 49, of Brgy Anibongan, and Rosendo, 39, of Brgy. Tuganay. Like Mang Elpidio, they are also LSTD fans. “I think it is a very good idea. So, I did not hesitate to join. This is the first time that I encountered a project like this. I commend PhilRice for thinking about the specific needs of the farmers,” Julian said. Julian manages 6 ha of land. He used to get an average yield of 87 cav/ha from his favorite varie-ties Rc82 and Rc152. After just one season with LSTD, he got 100 cav/ha from Rc122. “I like LSTD because it acknowledges the fact that farmers have different needs and helps us discover the technologies that are fit for our farm,” Julian said. Rosendo, on the other hand, emphasized how he saved on farm inputs in his 4-ha farm because of LSTD. “Based on my experience in applying IPM and proper timing of nutrient application, a farmer can save at least P5,000/ha. MOET and LCC were a big help in determining what, when, and how much fertilizer to apply,” Rosendo said. Moreover, Rosendo’s appreciation for the technologies he learned through LSTD was intensified when his rice yield averaged 7.1 t/ha with Angelica and Rc128, up from his usual yield of 5 t/ha using PSB Rc64. Convinced of the benefits that LSTD brings, the farmer-leaders are now spreading the good news to

other farmers. “Farmers should not hesitate to participate in projects like this because it is really good. It will help them a lot in increasing their rice yield and income,” Mang Rosendo said.

Elpidio sets a good example to his fellow LSTD farmer participants by putting back rice straw in his field after harvesting to improve his farm’s soil condition.

“By joining the LSTD in their sites, farmers will learn step-by-step the complete package of technologies that they need to increase their production,” said Elpidio. Julian added, “We can now say that we are improved farmers because of LSTD. But we will continue learning come next season. Farmers should learn from our experience so they can improve like us.”

JANUARY-MARCH 2010, Vol. 23 No. 1

are not guessing anymore on what should be done in our fields,” Estrellan added.

Seeding rate reduced

LSTD farmer innovators of Isulan do the seedbed preparation.

The shifting tide in Sultan Kudarat By Rodel D. Orejudos

alagpat (no timing). Pinadali (rush). Pataka (no basis). Mata-mata (no recording). These Ilonggo terms describe farmers’ practices in Sultan Kudarat (SK) province in previous cropping seasons. But not until the LocationSpecific Technology Development (LSTD) program came into the picture in June 2009. SK farmers’ practices on seeding rate, land preparation, fertilizer application, and water management were checked through LSTD. 18

Instilling recording system

In his 33 years of farming, Hector Estrellan, 56, a seed grower from Brgy. Bambad, Isulan firmly said, “nothing is new with LSTD.” “The indicators had been there for so long a time, only that we don’t have any records to show,” Estrellan said. But he appreciated LSTD for instilling in them the importance of record keeping. “With the cultivation calendar, everything now is recorded, and we

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SK farmers usually practiced the 160-200 kg/ha direct seeding rate. They bought seeds at P13-18 /kg from their fellow farmers, aside from seed exchange schemes. Every season, farmers spent from P2,080 to P3,600/ha in seeds alone. They could have saved P1,200P1,800 if they followed the 60-80 kg/ ha recommended direct seeding rate using certified seeds at P30/kg. “Our LSTD class helped me realize how much money was wasted by not following the recommended seeding rate,” Gilberto Lamita, 44, of Brgy. Kulambog, Isulan said. Lamita shifted his practice from 160-200 kg/ha direct seeding rate to 60-80 kg/ha with 10 kg additional seeds to address the problem of sparrows or mayang bungol in the area.

Foundation of good harvest

For 58-year-old Wilfredo Meliton of Kulambog, proper land preparation is the foundation of good harvest. “When you fail in land preparation, you fail in achieving good harvest,” Meliton said. Although he prepares his field 3035 days before planting, he observed that most farmers in SK prepare their fields within 1-2 weeks only. In short, “pinadali”. For Leonora Cagunda, 56, of Bambad, and Romeo Fabula, 73, farmer-innovator of Brgy. Lancheta, Tacurong City, 2 weeks before planting is the longest time for land preparation. They admitted that their fields were always “half-cooked” every planting season. This costs them P1,500- P 2,000 in managing weeds and pests in the area. After knowing the importance of

proper land preparation, Cagunda and Fabula now observe the fallow period and at least one-month land preparation.

No more Palagpat System

No timing is how farmers applied fertilizer before LSTD was introduced. Fabula thought that one-shot fertilizer application at 45 days after sowing was enough until harvest time. On the other hand, Lamita applies complete fertilizer within 30 days after planting and a few days before flowering. Both Fabula’s and Lamita’s practices are not recommended. “Many farmers in Isulan do not know the timing of fertilizer application. That is why it is called palagpat system,” confirmed RSO Isagani Boholano.

Baras, Tacurong City attested. Before LSTD came, it cost him P7,000 for 5-6 bags/ha of fertilizers. “With the intervention of technologies introduced under LSTD, I believe that big cost reduction and increased yield will happen,” Cerbo said.

Saved from drowning

Learning from LSTD, they are now maintaining 2-3 cm water depth. They only open their irrigation canal to bring in water as needed. “I now empty my field during tillering stage. But moisture is maintained to enhance the tillering capacity of the plants,” Fabula said. Controlled irrigation technology helps him monitor the available water in his rice field. He doesn’t worry anymore when water level goes down because he learned that the water is still available within 20-25 cm root zone.

“With the intervention of technologies introduced under LSTD, I believe that big cost reduction and increased yield will happen.”

Thumbs up for RSOs

Estrellan picks some weeds while he monitors the water level of his field.

According to PalayCheck fertilizer recommendations, the first application is 10-14 days after transplanting (DAT) or 21 days after seeding (DAS). Subsequent nitrogen (N) fertilizer applications are based on weekly LCC readings from 21 DAT or 28 DAS to early flowering. The palagpat system does not only sacrifice right timing but also entails extra cost, Neil Cerbo, 48, of

The LSTD program corrected several practices of the SK farmers. They gave two thumbs-up for the RSOs for being prompt and for their exemplary performance. “At 6 am we are already in the field doing agro-ecosystem analysis. This is new to us because we were not doing this before,” Concepcion Bantillo, 72, of Baras said. Bantillo said, “We have revived camaraderie among us. We respect RSO Amie Daquis as our teacher because she gives us many ideas in farming.” On the other hand, Hector Estrellan looked up to RSOs for their being well-equipped, sincere, accommodating, patient, persistent, and industrious in helping the farmers. According to Estrellan, it would be better if several PhilRice people will be deployed in the field. “I observed how PhilRice people

Florentino Cape, an LSTD farmer-innovator of Tacurong City, applies 20kg of complete fertilizer to his varietal trial at 11 DAT.

have created an impact on-field,” he said. Farmers are now applying their learnings from the LSTD class, Amie Daquis, RSO assigned in Tacurong City, said. “We could not expect an abrupt change from them. But we guide them toward a positive shift from their old ways,” Daquis said.

JANUARY-MARCH 2010, Vol. 23 No. 1

From bust to boom:

LSTD ‘hits’ Aurora By Ma. Adrielle D. Solsoloy

n a typhoon-prone province like Aurora, the weatherproof saba (a type of banana) is the only crop that promises harvest all year round.

However, through LSTD introduced in Dingalan, rice showed promising yields of 2-3 t/ha in rainfed and 4-6 t/ha in irrigated areas. According to agricultural technician (AT) Mina Dicen, saba is the main crop of Dingalan that is intercropped with coconut and other crops. After the town was included in the PalayCheck program of PhilRice, Dicen said, “Mayor Zenaida Padiernos saw a positive response from farmers. This made her support more the LSTD project for rice.” 20

Dicen added, “It is my commitment to make a difference. I share what I learn since influencing one farmer can create huge impact.” Brgy. Ibona in Dingalan was chosen as one of the pilot sites of LSTD. Dingalan has a total land area of 514 ha, 254 ha for rice. Some 250 of the 490 farmers in Ibona plant rice.

Rice farming: a better option

Florante Pacul, 35, of Ibona finds rice farming a “better option” after many years of hardship working as electrician. For seven years after graduating from a vocational school in 1992, he worked as a generator technician or trouble shooter in Manila, Lucena, and Bicol. However, he realized that he was

JANUARY-MARCH 2010, Vol. 23 No. 1

not saving enough as the costs of living in said places were quite expensive. Hence, he decided to return to his hometown in 2000 and started farming in 2001. He started with a 1-ha rice farm and a 1-ha peanut farm in an upland area, which he borrowed from his parents. He used varieties like C4, PSB Rc4, Rc14 and Rc64, which gave him only 2-3 t/ha. In early 2008, the PalayCheck System was introduced to Pacul. He participated in trainings and workshops to learn rice technologies and increase his yield. Eventually, when the LSTD was introduced in June 2009 through RSO Alfred Real, he embraced the project whole-heartedly since he saw the developments,

RSO Alfred Real takes himself to the centerstage as he teaches the LSTD participants in Dingalan, Aurora.

not only on his yield, but also on the condition of his family. Now, Pacul owns a 2-ha rice farm where he devoted 5,000 m2 for LSTD field trials. He produced 8.7 tons using Bioseed 401 and 5.8 t using NSIC Rc156 in the DecemberMarch 2009 dry season and JuneSeptember 2009 wet season, respectively. “In LSTD, we compared the PalayCheck System, farmer’s practice, different nutrient management practices, and Waray practice under crop establishment,” Pacul said. According to him, fertilizer is controlled except for the farmer’s practice, which made him see that he could actually save money through proper nutrient management. Waray, he said, got the highest yield by integrating some key points from the PalayCheck System like pest, water, and nutrient management. Through rice farming, Pacul invested more in lands for his children’s future, and in a mini-cono, which gives him extra income. Pacul claimed that, at least, he proved that the technologies taught to them are effective and not just hearsays. “Try the technology first before making comments or vehe-

ment reactions,” he exclaimed. “At kailangan mo lang manalig kay Bro para magkaroon ka rin ng masaganang ani (And you just need to trust Him so you will receive a bountiful harvest),” he added.

A woman’s heart: ready for learning and farming

“Rice farming is as important as breathing. Our family lives because we were able to get our every day needs from rice farming,” said Luningning Astelero, a 33-year-old rice farmer from Ibona. Astelero started farming after she graduated from high school. Her husband owned the 1-ha farm where she first cultivated rice. “At first, I just accompanied my husband in the field or watched over the irrigation pump and do some weeding, but eventually, I also learned the basics of rice planting,” she said. Before, they only got 1.5-3 t/ha using PSB Rc14, Rc64, and Rc42 with the thought that this was the normal average yield. When PalayCheck was introduced to them in 2008, they realized that they could get more yield.

“We got a higher yield because of PalayCheck. That is why we didn’t hesitate to join again when the LSTD was introduced to us,” Astelero said. Astelero always attended trainings and workshops on rice technologies and shared what she learned to her husband. She mentioned many things that she thought were very effective such as proper land preparation, nutrient management, and minimal use of pesticides. Astelero said, “The Leaf Color Chart (LCC) helped us save 1 bag of nitrogen per hectare. We only add more of it if the leaves appear paler than the normal color scale of LCC.” “Naniniwala kasi ako na hindi masamang sumubok. Malay mo, mas makabubuti pa ito dahil hindi naman siguro ituturo ang makasasama sa amin, di ba? (I believe that there is no harm in trying. Who knows, it may go well. I think their intention in helping us is good),” she said. Now, Astelero claims she obtains 5 t/ha rice yield using NSIC Rc156. Indeed, the rice farming industry in Dingalan, Aurora has started to boom. It may seem difficult at first, but through right technology and well-trained ATs and RSOs serving the people of Aurora, rice self-sufficiency is possible.

JANUARY-MARCH 2010, Vol. 23 No. 1

“

Iba ang LSTD (LSTD is different)...”

This is what Ilongos in South Cotabato say. The project is gaining many positive comments from farmerparticipants barely 6 months after its implementation in the province. Wondering why? Here are some reasons…

From demo farm to decision-making

Rogelio Abesin, 48, is a farmercooperator and a “plant breeder” in Barangay Namnama, Koronadal City. He is deeply involved in LSTD, not only in establishing a demo farm, but also in playing a vital role in decision-making. He incorporates pest and nutrient management practices in his varietal trials, the best part of the project, which he finds useful in identifying suitable varieties in his area for maximum yield. Rogelio found that NSIC Rc160, among other varieties, performed best in the trials, but weak in tungro resistance.

Innovations that work

Rogelio Abesin fondly shares his LSTD experience with the author.

Unleashing

LSTD potentials in South Cotabato By Salembai A. Abdullah

Roberto Carumba, 65, is a farmer-

innovator in varietal trials in Lopez Jaena, Norala. LSTD encourages him to innovate on technologies in his area. Take for example the use of goat manure in driving away rats in the field. “Siguradong aalis ang mga daga kapag naamoy nila ang dumi ng kambing. Tested ko na ‘yan (Rats will surely go away once they smell goat manure. I have tested that),” Roberto bragged. Romeo Rosete, 60, of Caloocan, RSO Mark John Ronolo (left) in Koronadal City Koronadal City also shares his own enjoys his habit- helping his farmer-participant technology in fighting black rice in his farm chores- this time, sacking. bugs. He mixes madre de kakaw, 22

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neem tree, and makabuhay leaves with water. Stored for a month, the solution serves as an insecticide for spraying. Chemical insecticide? No need. Economical, isn’t it? However, Romeo stressed the importance of his daily field monitoring to determine the condition of his crop.

Changed for the better

Idya-idya (kanya-kanya or everybody does his own thing) best describes the attitude of the farmerparticipants before LSTD was intro- u

a k a s a s g a m usapang Palay-alamin! …para sa ika-25 taon ng PhilRice Alam niyo ba na…

1 2

Kalahati sa populasyon ng mundo ay kumakain ng kanin? Ito ay humigit kumulang tatlong bilyong katao.

Competence. RSO Ronolo confidently lectures on PalayCheck in Brgy. Caloocan.

duced in their area. Everyone plants and manages his own field and crops without taking time to consult with other farmers on a regular basis. But now that they became LSTD farmer-participants, they meet in their classroom – a shanty – at least once a week. There, they hold sessions with their facilitators and RSO in their area. “Iba na ang closeness namin ngayon. Mas lumalalim na ang aming samahan kasi nagsi-share na kami ng aming mga ideas, mga problema, at solusyon sa aming pagsasaka. At minsan, pati na ang personal na bagay sa aming buhay (Our closeness is now deeper because we share ideas, problems, and solutions in our farming. Sometimes, even our personal lives),” Rogelio said. It is not only attitude that LSTD changed in their ways, but also their farming practices. They now monitor their ricefields regularly, and they know how to distinguish friendly from harmful insects. They don’t just spray. They also learned the proper amount and timing of fertilizer application in nutrient management. Surely, they just have to discover what LSTD has in store for them.

Matapos ipunla ng magsasaka ang palay, mag-aantay pa ito ng 105 hanggang 115 araw bago anihin? Isipin mo na lang kung ikaw mismo ang mag-aantay ng ganoon katagal. Ang palay ay nangangailangan ng 5,000 litrong tubig o kalahati ng isang maliit na swimming pool upang makabuo ng isang kilong bigas.

Ang Nobyembre ay idineklarang National Rice Awareness Month ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo noong Enero 2004 sa bisa ng Proclamation 524, upang mabigyang pansin ang halaga ng palay sa buhay ng mga Pilipino?

4 5 6

Ang pagsasaka o pagtatanim ng palay ay mas matanda pa sa kaninununuan natin? Tinatayang 10, 000 taon na ang pagsasaka o pagtatanim ng palay.

Ang kilalang sushi at maki ng bansang Japan ay sangkap ang kanin? Maliban dun, ang salitang Toyota ay nangangahulugang “masaganang ani” at ang salitang Honda ay “malawak na palayan.” Ang mga bansang China, India, Japan, Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand, at Myanmar ang nangunguna sa produksyon ng palay? JANUARY-MARCH 2010, Vol. 23 No. 1

Vicente Mancia realizes the importance of land preparation and field leveling in attaining better yield.

Kagawad Alejandro Montojo proudly shows his standing crop. He will eventually exchange seeds from his harvest to his fellow farmers.

Romblon farmers give two thumbs,

eight fingers more up to LSTD By Imelda DG. Olvida

hen rice farmers can make learned and informed decisions in managing their farms, and when they know how to communicate their needs to authorities–then they are empowered farmers. Empowerment, as development advocates would put it, is when a person, group, or a community is able to make learned and well-informed decisions to improve life. Such is the case of the LSTD PalayCheck Field School and Give Me 5! Project participants in Tablas Island, Romblon. They are now empowered with new knowledge and technologies that have long been missing in their rice farming. In fact, majority of the rice farmers in this island are first time participants of Farmers’ Field 24

Schools (FFS). They value so much the technologies brought to them by the RSOs.

Making learned and wellinformed decisions in rice farming

Now, “we already know the difference between good seeds and certified seeds, when before, we only know one thing, makipagpalit ng binhi sa kapwa magsasaka na sa tingin namin ay maganda ang tayo ng palay, ngayon, alam na namin kung ano ang Rc18, Rc122, at Rc120, may pangalan na ang binhi namin,” jointly relate Alejandro Montojo and Dioleto Bautista of Brgy. Carmen, San Agustin, Romblon, when asked on their first learnings in participating and attending the LSTD PalayCheck Field School (LSTD-PFS). They also added joining the

JANUARY-MARCH 2010, Vol. 23 No. 1

LSTD-PFS is one of the best things that happened in their rice farming, because they are saving a lot on seeds, insecticides, and fertilizers. “Thanks to the masisipag na RSOs na mas maaga pa dumating sa meeting kaya nakakahiyang ma-late,” they added. Moreover, they related that at first, they were apprehensive in following the recommendation of 1-2 seedlings per hill. “Takot kami sa kuhol, at tsaka pinagtatawanan kami ng ibang farmers na hindi kasali sa FFS, pero nung nakita nila ngayon ang tayo ng palay namin gusto na nila lahat sumali sa FFS at nakikipagpalit na ng binhi sa amin.”

Learnings

Vicente Mancia of Brgy. Cabolutan and Bernardino Manas of Sugod, San Agustin were both first-time participants of FFS. They said recommenda-

tions on land preparation helped them a lot, as according to them, they didn’t give it much attention before. “Ang pinagtutuunan lang namin ng pansin ay kung anong binhi at abono ang gagamitin, hindi talaga namin pinapansin ang land preparation, lalo na ang field leveling. Napaka-halaga pala ng land preparation, hindi namin alam. Ngayon lang kami nakaranas na hindi dinamo ang field, yun pala ay land preparation lang ang kailangan. Kaya nakatipid kami sa gastos sa pang spray sa damo.” While Nelson Santiago or “Ka Nel” of Brgy. Tulay, Odiongan appreciates most the 20x20 cm transplanting space, as he can see the big difference from his previous practice of “waray-waray” method. Give Me 5! Project Director Mayor Robert Fabella of Calatrava said farmers’ learnings translated to a much improved rice production record in his province. He cited the 6.8 t/ha rice yield of Randolph Gabutero or Ka Andol of Brgy. Gabawan, Odiongan. Mayor Fabella said following keychecks yields good results.

The challenge

When you are used to harvesting 2-3 t/ha, a 5-t/ha harvest is a huge achievement. “Kung hindi man mapunuan ang pangangailangan ng buong Romblon sa bigas, maibsan man lamang,” said Geisler Fadri, Romblon provincial agriculturist. Fadri appealed to farmers to share all the learnings and knowledge they acquired to fellow farmers, as according to him, “hindi namin kayo lahat mapupuntahan.” He commended PhilRice and Give Me 5! Project implementers for helping them bring all the assistance and technologies to the farmers. Moreover, Romblon farmers who have been farming all their lives listened to and followed the technologies taught to them by RSOs who are only in their 20s. In other sites, old farmers had difficulty dealing with the young RSOs or vice-versa. Romblon farmers and the RSOs have created a tandem, which they can all be proud of.

a k a s a s g a m usapang Alam niyo ba na…

7 8

Ang “basmati” ay nagmula sa salitang Hindi na ang ibig sabihin ay mahalimuyak at tumutukoy sa barayti ng palay na pinaniniwalaang nagmula sa India at Pakistan? Ayon sa mga mananaliksik ng Discovery Channel, ang tanyag na Great Wall of China ay gawa sa arinang bigas o rice flour? Ito ay ginamit na mortar upang magdikit-dikit ang mga ladrilyo (bricks) at bumuo ng isang pader.

9 10

Ang pinakamatandang barayti ng palay ay natagpuan sa Probinsiya ng Chungbuk, South Korea, sa pangunguna ng siyentistang sina Lee Yung-jo at Woo Jong-yoon ng Chungbuk National University?

Humigit-kumulang 110 na bansa ang nagtatanim ng palay. Noong 2008-2009, umabot sa 385 milyong metriko tonelada ang inaning palay sa buong mundo? Sa bilang na ito, 90 porsiyento ay nagmula sa Asya kung saan kalahati ng kabuuan nito ay nagmula sa bansang China at India.

Matatagpuan sa Luneta Park ang tinatawag na Rice Garden? Ginawa ito upang mabigyang pagkakataon ang mga taga-siyudad na makita at mahawakan ang tanim na palay na kadalasa’y nakikita na lang nila ito bilang kanin o bigas.

12 13

Ang nakilala nating tiki-tiki o bitaminang pinaiinom sa mga bata ay nagmumula sa darak? Ito ay mataas sa Bitamina B na epektibong panlaban sa sakit na beriberi. Sa India, ang rice water o pinagpakuluan ng bigas (am) ay inirereseta ng Pharmacopoeia of India bilang isang gamot sa nasunog na balat?

Ang Hagdanhagdang Palayan sa Banawe ay kabilang sa kategoryang irrigated lowland farms o may patubig na mababang lupa? Binase ito sa kinalalagyan ng dike at hindi sa lokasyon ng mga palayan.

JANUARY-MARCH 2010, Vol. 23 No. 1

a k a s a s g a m g usapan Alam niyo ba naâ&#x20AC;Ś

Noong unang panahon ang bigas ay sinusukat lamang sa pamamagitan ng kaban, ganta, at gatang. Katumbas ng isang kaban ay 25 ganta at katumbas ng isang ganta ang walong gatang.

Ang kiping ay nagsimula sa salitang kipi o kinipi na ang ibig sabihin ay ang pagtanggal ng tubig sa masa ng giniling na bigas? Ito ay ginagawang pandekorasyon tuwing ika 15 ng Mayo para sa selebrasyon ng Pahiyas o ang paggunita sa Patron ng mga magsasaka na si San Isidro Labrador.

Sa Lungsod Agham ng Munoz, Nueva Ecija ginawa ang pinakamalaking kakanin o rice cake sa buong mundo? Tinalo nito ang ginawa ng bansang Japan na naitalang 0.539 tons ang bigat laban sa 2.540 tons ng Munoz.

Ang hybrid na barayti ng palay ay produkto ng crosspollination o pag-aasawa ng dalawang magkaibang magulang na may magandang katangian upang makabuo ng isang mas maganda pang klase ng palay? Taliwas ito sa paniniwalang ang hybrid ay GMO o genetically modified organism.

Ang brown rice o cargo rice ay klase ng bigas kung saan hindi gaanong tinanggal ang darak o unpolished. Lahat ng barayti ng palay ay maaaring maging brown rice, taliwas sa paniniwala na isa itong barayti ng palay. Pinagmumulan ito ng mga bitamina tulad ng thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, iron, at calcium.

Sa China, ang karaniwang ani ng hybrid na barayti ay 6.9 tons kada ektarya, samantalang sa inbred naman ay 5.4 tons kada ektarya?

December 1986 hinirang ni Pangulong Corazon Aquino bilang Executive Director ng PhilRice si Dr. Santiago R. Obien na nooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;y may karanasan na sa pamumuno ng mga institusyon, tulad ng Mariano Marcos State University at Philippine Tobacco Research and Training Center?

Si Palayman, ang mascot ng PhilRice, ay ipinakilala sa publiko noong Nobyembre 7, 2002 kasabay ng selebrasyon ng ika-17 taong anibersaryo ng PhilRice? Sumisimbolo ito sa layunin ng institusyon na mapataas ang ani at kita ng mga magsasaka sa pamamagitan ng mga makabagong magbubukid at teknolohiyang pansaka.

Taong 2004, ipinagdiwang ang International Year of Rice na may slogan na Rice is Life? Layunin nitong pagkaisahin ang bawat bansa na labanan ang kahirapan sa pamamagitan ng pakakaroon ng sapat na kanin sa hapag-kainan ng bawat tao sa mundo.

May 12 ritwal ang isinasagawa para sa taunang agricultural calendar ng mga taga Ifugao? Ito ay ang lukya, hipngat, panal, bolnat, kulpi, hagophop, bodad, paad, ngilin, ani, upin, at kahiw.

ÂŽ

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Ang PhilRice ay magdiriwang ng ika-25 Anibersaryo ngayong taon? Itinatag ito noong Nobyembre 5, 1985 sa kapangyarihan ng Executive Order 1061 ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos.

ask the experts Pabago-bagong klima Magandang araw! Ang aking mga katanungan ay iikot po sa “climate change.” Marami na akong nadidinig ukol dito kaya lang, hindi po malinaw lalo na kung ang pag-uusapan ay climate change sa larangan ng agrikultura. Mayroon po ba kayo maipapayo o mga tips na dapat gawin upang makatugon ang aking palayan sa pabago-bago nating panahon? Umaani lang po ako ngayon ng 120 kaban (33 kg ang isa) sa aking 1.5 ektaryang sakahin. Sana po ay matulungan nyo akong mapataas ang aking ani lalo na sa panahon nating nagbabago-bago. Salamat po.

Gumagalang, Elfredo Tuscano Tayum, Abra

SAGOT:

Ang climate change ay pagbabago ng klima sa loob ng 100 taon o higit pa. Ayon sa mga datus ng thermometers sa buong mundo noong 1900-2000, ang temperatura ng daigdig ay tumaas na ng 1o C. Ang epekto ng patuloy na pagtaas ng temperatura ay pagdami ng maiinit na araw at maalinsangang gabi, pagkakaroon ng madalas na tagtuyot (El Niño), mas malalakas at madalas na ulan na nagdudulot ng pagbaha at pagtaas ng sea level. Dahil dito, ilan sa mga pwede nating gawin ay ang mga sumusunod: TIP 1: Magtanim ng barayti na angkop sa palayang inaabot ng di-pangkaraniwang kundisyon tulad ng tagtuyot, pagbaha, at sa lumalawak na palayang may tubig-alat, o umiinit o lumalamig na panahon. Sa pamamagitan nito, mapapanatili ang mataas na ani kumpara sa mga pangkaraniwang barayti na pwedeng mamatay o masyadong kapos ang ani. Ilan sa mga barayti mula sa PhilRice: Palayang may patubig (Inbred) NSIC Rc150 (Tubigan 9) NSIC Rc152 (Tubigan 10) NSIC Rc154 (Tubigan 11) NSIC Rc160 (Tubigan 14) NSIC Rc216 (Tubigan 17) NSIC Rc218SR (Mabango 3) (Special rice) Hybrid NSIC Rc196H (Mestizo 16) NSIC Rc198H (Mestizo 17) NSIC Rc202H (Mestizo 19) NSIC Rc204H (Mestizo 20) Palayang nababaha NSIC Rc194 (Submarino 1) Palayang may patubig na pinapasok ng tubig-alat NSIC Rc184 (Salinas 2) NSIC Rc186 (Salinas 3) NSIC Rc188 (Salinas 4) NSIC Rc190 (Salinas 5)

TIP 2: Magsagawa ng kontroladong pagpapatubig o Controlled Irrigation (CI) para makatipid sa gastos at mapapatubigan ang mas maluwang na sakahan, lalo na ang mga malayo sa malalaking kanal na sakahan.Mapapabilis ang pag-aani dahil hindi mababalaho ang mga makinarya. Ang CI ay nakatutulong din sa pagbawas ng methane gas na siyang nakapagpapainit sa mundo. TIP 3: Isaalang-alang ang impormasyon sa klima at panahon na binibigay ng PAG-ASA na tinatawag na Seasonal Climate Forecast na pwedeng gamitin na basehan kung ano ang nararapat na itanim, at kailan ang tamang araw ng taniman. TIP 4: Magsagawa ng Palayamanan o Diversified Integrated Rice-Based Farming Systems. Mula sa salitang palay at yaman, pinagsasama-sama ang produksiyon ng palay, gulay, prutas, hayop, at organikong pataba. Dahil sa Palayamanan, nababawasan din ang greenhouse gas emissions, napapataas ang kita, at nakasisiguro ng palagiang pagkain sa hapag-kainan. TIP 5: Gumamit ng Leaf Color Chart o LCC. Ito ay isang simpleng instrumento na magsasabi kung sapat o kulang sa nitroheno ang halaman. Maaari nang makatipid sa paggamit ng nitroheno na siyang naglalabas ng nitrous oxide na nakakasama rin sa ating kapaligiran. TIP 6: Magsagawa ng Integrated Pest Management o tamang pamamahala sa peste na makababawas sa o hindi na paggamit ng pestisidyo na nakatutulong sa paglago ng biodiversity.

Dr. Jimmy Quilang Senior Science Research Specialist Agronomy, Soils, and Plant Physiology Division PhilRice

ASK THE EXPERTS: This column welcomes questions on rice and rice-based farming. You can send your concerns through mail/email together with your name, age, and address to: THE EDITOR

PhilRice Magazine, Development Communication Division Maligaya, Science City of Muñoz, 3119 Nueva Ecija

prri@philrice.gov.ph

Or text to the: PhilRice’s Farmers’ Text Center 0920-911-1398

JANUARY-MARCH 2010, Vol. 23 No. 1

In action. Rice sufficiency officers, together with local leaders and farmers, lead the development and implementation of location-specific technologies especially in areas where recommended practices have not worked well in increasing productivity and profitability.

PHILIPPINE RICE RESEARCH INSTITUTE Central Experiment Station Maligaya, Science City of Muñoz, 3119 Nueva Ecija Tel.: 53(044) 456-0113, -0285, -0258 • Telefax 63 (044) 456-0649, -0651, -0652 loc.511 or 512 E-mail: prri@philrice.gov.ph • Website: http://www.philrice.gov.ph Text: 0920-911-1398 Entered as second class mail at Postal Region III under Permit No. 91