To increase farm efficiency and attain rice sufficiency using hybrid rice and farm mechanization, the Central Mindanao University (CMU) in Musuan, Bukidnon, Philippines partnered with the Philippine Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO)-10.
The partnership materialized through the ceremonial planting of hybrid rice derby despite certain constraints due to the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic. On 17 August 2020, Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado of DA-RFO 10 and CMU President Jesus Antonio G. Derije showcased the use of mechanical rice transplanter (riding type) and mechanical direct seeder (riding type) in Musuan town with seven participating seed companies, namely: SL Agritech, Bayer, Long Ping, Sygenta, Seedworks, Ramgo and Bioseed.
Five hectares of the 50-hectare rice area dedicated to boost rice productivity through the intensified use of quality seeds, appropriate inputs, modern technologies, and mechanization have been allocated to DA-R10’s Research Division for the conduct of a nutrient management study on fertilizer application to optimize productivity and reduce production cost.
(contributed by King Jehu II Radaza, Professor, College of Agriculture, CMU with source from DA10/PIA10 Published on August 21, 2020. More of this article can be viewed at https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/ 1050897)