First rice and corn information caravan draws 700 farmers
Mr. Ruben Nerecina, of Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)
explains how to make virgin coconut oil to the interested
farmers during technology demonstration on the rice and corn
information caravan at DA-WESVIARC, Hamungaya, Jaro, Iloilo City.
Some 700 participants composed of farmers and agricultural stakeholders attended the first rice and corn information caravan conducted by the Department of Agriculture at DA-WESVIARC, Hamungaya, Jaro, Iloilo City recently.
With the theme “Paghili-usa Pakadto sa Mauswagon nga Pagpanguma” the caravan has achieved its purpose of promoting new technologies and creating awareness of the latest practices and innovations in the agricultural industry to the farmer clientele.
Dr. Frisco M. Malabanan, the Ginintuang Masaganang Ani (GMA) rice program coordinator said that the caravan was a very good venue for the DA to relate the specific programs on rice and corn which centers on the six-point agenda of Secretary Arthur C. Yap which is profitability of the individual farmers.
“I am happy to note that Western Visayas was a major contributor to the 4.96 percent growth in national palay production of the country last year despite of several typhoons and calamities we have experienced,” he said.
The DA is aiming to attain at least five to six percent growth in agriculture sector this year through the adoption of hybrid seeds in irrigated rice areas, certified/registered seeds in rainfed lowland rice areas and hybrid and open pollinated varieties (OPV) seeds for corn areas.
Malabanan challenged the seed-growers “to provide 600,000 bags of certified seeds to rainfed lowland farmers of the whole country starting April 2007.
“Region 6 will be allotted a total of 125,000 bags of certified seeds because it has the largest rainfed lowland areas in the country,” he added.
According to Mr. Larry P. Nacionales, OIC – Regional Executive Director of DA 6 , region 6 achieved a nine (9%) percent increase in palay production last year because of farmers cooperation and acceptance of new technology being introduced by the department.
He stressed that the DA will focus on irrigation development through restoration of existing nonfunctional irrigation systems and enhancement of post harvest facilities in the different provinces in order to lessen production losses.
Farmers were given updates on market access by Atty. Judy Carol Dansal of NFA, post-harvest facilities by Dr. Rodolfo Estigoy (BPHRE), credit and finance by Mr. Kennedy Garabyab (ACPC), irrigation by Engr. Felix Razo (NIA) and research, development and extension by Mr. Edgar Libetario (PhilRice).
Likewise technology demonstrations on organic farming, vermiculture, leaf color chart (LCC), axial stove, meat processing, arts and handicraft making, natural farming and trichogramma were attended by interested farmers. (JEEO/RAFID 6)