Braving the path to innovative rice farming

In our search for success stories of local farmers, we were brought to a field of climate change-ready rice varieties of Mr. Edgar A. Pesebre, a Local Farmer Technician and a partner of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Bicol Station. Mr. Pesebre is one of the local farmers who benefit from using modern farming technologies introduced by PhilRice. The Bicol station of PhilRice is a priority project of Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez aimed at establishing an institution where local farmers can easily access and learn new farming technologies that would improve their farming system.

Mr. Edgar Pesebre grew up in Balangibang where residents refer to as the "Tungro capital" due to frequent flooding in the area. Aside from flooding, Balangibang also experiences drought which makes rice farming difficult in the area.

Mr. Pesebre grew up in a rice farm at Barangay Balangibang of Polangui, Albay. Local residents refer to their land as "Tungro capital" due to the frequent flooding. They also experience drought in the field which makes it difficult for them to produce high crop yield. Because of these unfavorable weather conditions, heavy work, and minimal returns in rice farming, Mr. Pesebre was hesitant to follow the footsteps of his parents, no matter how his mother tried to persuade him.

After graduating a degree in Business Administration, Mr. Pesebre worked at Toyota Motors Corporation in Quezon City. As a hardworking and dedicated employee, Mr. Pesebre received awards and was later promoted as Senior Service Marketing Supervisor. However, due to his desire to manage his own business, he left the company and went back to his hometown.

Braving the path to rice farming: Mr. Pesebre left his job as marketing supervisor to become a farmer.

Mr. Pesebre engaged in rice production. Because of his active participation in agricultural training programs and activities, he was designated by the Municipal Agriculture Office of Polangui as Farmer-Led Extension in 2003-2008.

To further practice his technical knowledge in rice production, Mr. Pesebre became a Palay seed grower in 2009. He identified rice varieties that will suit the environmental condition of his farm area. He also made varietal trials in submerged farms to test the adaptability of different rice varieties in flooded areas.

Scientific farming

The minimal use of pesticides is one of the benefits of proper crop management. Mr. Pesebre said that due to technology, farmers no longer have to extensively use pesticides.

According to him, the traditional rice farming method evolved into scientific farming. Interventions and innovations were introduced to achieve high yielding crops, resilient rice varieties, and minimize the production loss.

Mr. Pesebre is currently working on a submerged farm technology wherein vegetables are planted in an elevated bed soil surrounded by a fish pond and rice farm.

Research conducted and technologies developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), and Department of Agriculture also played significant roles in the improvement of rice farming.

One of the technologies that Mr. Pesebre applies in his farm is the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD). According to IRRI Knowledgebank,

“AWD is a water-saving technology that farmers can apply to reduce their irrigation water use in rice fields without decreasing yield. In AWD, irrigation water is applied a few days after the disappearance of the water. Hence, the field is alternately flooded and non-flooded.”

After attending several trainings on rice production, conducting varietal tests, and partnering with different agricultural agencies Mr. Pesebre knew how to make adjustments in his farm by applying the technologies and technical knowledge he learned.

As of now, Mr. Pesebre manages 16 varieties of rice in 8 hectares of farm land. Of the 16 varieties of rice, eight of them are what he calls the “Next Generation” series. These varieties are climate change-ready which are resilient and adaptable to extreme environmental conditions such as flooding and drought.

The NSIC Rc342 and Rc360 is one of the recent varieties released by PhilRice and one of the so-called “Next Generation” varieties. Local farmers favor this variety because of its aromatic smell and good yield. Based on PhilRice-Bicol data, this variety yields 7.9 tons per hectare.

Mr. Pesebre plants vegetables to maximize the use of available land areas in his farm. He plants okra and chili pepper along the irrigation canal.

According to Mr. Pesebre, in the previous years when rice farming was difficult in Balangibang due to extreme weather conditions, production output was very minimal. Crop yield only reaches to three tons per hectare (3 tons/ha). At present, crop yield reaches to 5-7 tons/ha.

A champion in rice farming

Due to his efforts and innovations in rice farming, the Department of Agriculture hailed him as Regional and National Winner under the Outstanding Local Farmer Technician (LFT) Category during the 2014 Agri Pinoy Rice Achievers' Award.

Mr. Pesebre now manages wide areas of rice farm for the Climate Field School which demonstrate climate change-adaptable rice varieties. PhilRice partners with him and features his rice farm as demo sites for rice production training.

Agricultural agencies such as IRRI and farmers from other parts of the country visit his farm to learn about his techniques and methods on how to properly manage a rice farm.

"Rice self-sufficiency is possible"

The answer to better rice farming, according to Mr. Pesebre, is a good irrigation system. Such infrastructure help farmers transform idle lands to productive farms and provide a sustainable water source for the crops during dry season.

Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez is prioritizing the establishment of irrigation systems in areas where agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood for residents. He also aims to help communities maximize the use of idle and unproductive lands to improve and modernize farming activities.

In Polangui, 90% of farm lands are now irrigated, according to Mr. Pesebre. This was due to the combined efforts of local farmers, farmers and irrigators association, and financial support from the government, non-government organizations, and agricultural agencies.

With the technologies that have been developed to innovate rice farming, Mr. Pesebre believes that Philippines can be rice self-sufficient. But in order to completely achieve rice self-sufficiency, the country needs to minimize importation of rice and prioritize the marketing of local products, according to him. Local farmers need the support of the government in patronizing local products in the market. In such way, the demand in local production of rice will increase and farmers will be encouraged to increase the production which in turn improves their income generation. albay3d.blogspot.com

Bridging the gap: Albay 3rd District farmers dialogue with agriculture experts

Mr. Bernardino Dizon (left) and Mr. Constante Adalla (right) demonstrate the grafting of Pili seedlings during the "Sa Kabukiran: Talakayan ng Pangkat Kaunlaran" at Ligao City Gym, 21 May 2015.

Farmers from different city/municipalities of Albay 3rd District were able to get firsthand information and had their queries directly answered by agricultural experts during the seminar-cum-dialogue program, “Sa Kabukiran: Talakayan ng Pangkat Kaunlaran” at the Ligao City Gymasium on 21 May 2015.

Sponsored by Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez and the City Government of Ligao headed by City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua in partnership with ABS-CBN DZMM Teleradyo, the activity was conceptualized due to public demand to conduct a localized discussion of in-demand and site-specific information.

More than 1000 farmers from Libon, Polangui, Oas, Ligao City, Jovellar, Pioduran, and Guinobatan attended the event. Experts from different fields of agriculture presented information, demonstrated several methods, and answered questions raised by participants. Among the topics covered by the experts include the following:

Dr. Frisco Malabanan – Hybrid Rice Production
Mr. Louie Tabing – Virgin Coconut Oil Making at Home
Mr. Bernardo Dizon – Fruit Tree Propagation Techniques
Dr. Aida Adalla – Opportunities in Crops for Natural Ingredients
Mr. Constante Adalla – Root Crop Production Techniques
Mr. Greg Nicdao – Ram Pump and Drip Irrigation Technique
Dr. Erlinda P. Rillo – Tissue Culture Production
Mr. Romeo Opeña – Vegetable Production Technology Techniques
Ms. Rosselle De Guzman – Marketing Agri-Products

Aside from presenting new technologies, experts also recommended high market value crops and high quality varieties. Dr. Frisco Malabanan, an expert in hybrid rice production, recommended the SL-8H hybrid rice variety due to increased amount of output it produces compared to inbred rice. Roselle De Guzman suggested that farmers plant “Pakbet” vegetables: eggplant, okra, squash, and bitter gourd, Chopsuey vegetables, and spices: garlic, onion, and ginger. Dr. Malabanan also stressed that farmers can generate high income using the right kind of variety and proper crop management.

The experts also see the potential of Albay in agricultural business because of its rich natural resources. Bernardo Dizon, who discussed on managing fruit-bearing trees, said that he envies the Bicolanos because of its beautiful soil. “Naiinggit po ako sainyo, dahil nandito ang pinakamagandang soil-volcanic soil [I envy you, because you have the most beautiful soil, the volcanic soil],” said Dizon. DZMM Teleradyo Sa Kabukiran host, Louie Tabing, meanwhile believe that Bicolanos should be happy that coconut milk is a favorite in the locality. People who consume more coconut oil are more likely to live longer, according to Tabing.

Local farmers not only benefit from easy access to technical assistance but the strong support of local government units in prioritizing agricultural projects. In Ligao City, several agricultural programs for farmers have been recognized which brought LGU-Ligao to the list of outstanding LGUs in Bicol. Aside from agricultural programs, infrastructures were also developed to facilitate farming activities as well as marketing of farm products. Congressman Gonzalez said that the government is allocating funds to irrigate drought-prone areas and improve the farming system in upland and coastal areas.

PhilRice launches Rural Transformation Movement; highlights new technologies on Farmers Field Day

As a continued effort to improve the economic status of rice-based farming communities in the Philippines, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) launched its new campaign, Rural Transformation Movement (RTM), at the PhilRice Bicol Station, Batang, Ligao City on 11 November 2014. Simultaneously, PhilRice Bicol held a Farmers Field Day highlighting new technologies and farming equipment.

RTM aims for transformation rather than transmission,
said RTM campaign leader Dr. Ronan Zagado

The RTM aims to achieve a "holistic, inclusive, and sustainable growth in the rice-based communities," said Dr. Ronan Zagado, RTM Campaign Leader. The campaign is in line with PhilRice's Gusto Namin Milyonaryo Kayo campaign that promotes the P1 million profit per hectare per year. The campaign also supports President Noynoy Aquino's goal on alleviating poverty, generating high income, and increasing production of crops to achieve rice self-sufficiency in the Philippines.

Dr. Zagado pointed out that RTM is a campaign that aims for transformation rather than transmission. Instead of the usual one-way dissemination of information, RTM is a process of changing the perceptions, practices, attitudes, and life chances of farmers through rice-based agriculture to achieve sustainable growth in the rice farming areas.

RTM will also involve behavioral intervention, according to Dr. Zagado. While PhilRice provides technical assistance and develops rice farming technologies, farmers also need to maintain a positive attitude towards learning new techniques and strategies and contribute to their own success. 

The Palayamanan Plus, a modified rice farming system to increase the production of rice and other crops with high market value, and the Nucleus Estate Strategy (NUESTRA) are among the strategies that will be employed during the campaign. The nine stations of PhilRice will serve as nuclei wherein research and development begins. The stations will also provide farmers with technical assistance, inputs, and machinery requirements. Communities surrounding the stations will adopt the technologies developed by PhilRice. The process will continue until more communities are reached. This strategy creates the "ripple effect" wherein communities influence other surrounding communities. 

Dr. Zagado also stressed that "partnership is imperative". Aside from PhilRice, State Universities and Colleges, and Regional Integrated Agricultural Research Centers can also serve as nuclei.

SIGN OF SUPPORT. Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez and former Ligao City Mayor Linda P. Gonzalez, who were tagged as the Father and Mother of PhilRice Bicol showed a continued support to the efforts of PhilRice.

Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua said that
the City Government supports PhilRice in achieving
the goal of RTM.

Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez of Albay 3rd District, who is also tagged as the Father of PhilRice Bicol, said that RTM is a big step in transforming the society into a very productive economy. Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua said that 84% of Ligao's total land area consist of agricultural land which makes farming a major activity in the city. Hence, the City Government of Ligao is allocating funds to prioritize the needs of farmers. Having PhilRice Bicol established in Ligao, local farmers become the primary beneficiaries of technologies.

As PhilRice launched its new campaign, new technologies were showcased during the Farmers Field Day. The Integrated Rice-based Agri-Bio Systems (IRBAS) featured Vermiculture and the Mushroom House where Oyster mushrooms are produced. The Learning Center features the actual scenario of plant growth. The Azolla production is a new technology that PhilRice Bicol started last month. In addition, the Palayabangan, the 10-5 challenge, also showcased the rice fields of contenders. The Palayabangan is a competition that targets a production of 10 tons of rice with only P5/kilo cost of production. Farming equipment developed by PhilRice were also displayed during the event.

PhilRice showcased new technologies and farm equipment during the Farmers Field Day.

PhilRice will continue to develop and implement technologies in the future as more components will be added to IRBAS such as poultry raising and fish pond. The City Government of Ligao is also establishing infrastructures and facilities like irrigation canals to improve the farming operations in the area.

Photos and Story by Lala Peñafiel

PhilRice Bicol to start “kurakding” production at Batang, Ligao City

Rice straws (right) serve as substrate for growing

kurakding (left)

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Bicol station will begin its mushroom production this September as part of the implementation of the Intensified Rice-based Agri-Bio Systems (IRBAS) project. The IRBAS project is an improvement of the previously implemented project, the Palayamanan, and now being referred as the Palayamanan Plus. IRBAS was developed to increase the production of rice and other crops with high market value. The project also targets the P1M profit per hectare per year.

Mushroom production is one of the three components of the IRBAS project. PhilRice Bicol will pilot the first Kurakding culture at the station in Batang, Ligao City. To lower the cost of production and avoid wastage and burning of rice straws, the rice straws will be used as soil or the substrate where the mushrooms will grow.

Kurakding is most suitable to produce due to the environmental condition of Ligao that is favorable to its growth. Aside from this, Kurakding has high market value in the local area, according to Agricultural Engineer Melanie Ailen de Peralta, focal person of the IRBAS project at PhilRice Bicol.

Kurakding is usually cooked with coconut milk and vegetables and served with rice.

Kurakding is usually cooked with coconut milk and vegetables and is considered as one of the favorite local dishes in Ligao and in nearby towns. De Peralta sees the potential of mushroom production in Ligao as there is high demand of edible mushrooms in Metro Manila but very little supply. The success of the mushroom production will contribute to the ultimate goal of reaching the P1M target profit per hectare per year.

Written by Lala Peñafiel

References:
Intensified Rice-based Agri-Bio System Project Protocol. Philippine Rice Research Institute