By Joan N. Capaciete, DA-RAFIS 6
Six hybrid rice varieties showcased their respective potentials during Community Hybrid Rice Model Farm Field Day in Brgy. Bagacay, Culasi, Antique.
Around 200 rice farmers witnessed the performance of TH82, SL19, LP 937, LP 2096, Bigante Plus, and Jackpot varieties planted following scientific-based technologies.
The Community Hybrid Rice Model Farm (CHRMF) of the DA rice program promotes the potential of hybrid rice varieties that are adaptable to the locality.
“Site validation and orientation of farmer cooperators were the initial activities of the project, then the conduct of Geographical referencing to ascertain the farm’s topography. Indeed, it was an arduous task but fulfilling since 79 farmer cooperators readily accepted the project. They are members of Lamputong Esperanza Caridad Bagacay Fe (LAESCABAFE) farmers association and Pangata Irrigators Service Association Inc.,” said Pinky Adolacion, DA Provincial Coordinator.
The hybrid rice varieties were evaluated as production/yield, texture, quality of grains, climate adaptability, and resistance to pests and diseases. Adolacion also said that four bags of T14 fertilizers, half bag of Urea and MOP per hectare, and Bio-Fertilizers were given to the cooperators in a buying-sharing scheme, DA and fertilizer companies shouldered the farm inputs of 50 percent and 50 percent remaining cost will be paid back by the farmer cooperator to their association.
“I was an inbred rice farmer for almost 40 years. The CHRMF project of the DA-WV rice program introduced TH 82 hybrid rice variety recently,” said Fred Magaso, 52.
Magaso expects to harvest more than 100 sacks of hybrid TH82 rice variety with a return on investment of around P60,000 less labor cost.
Compared to his inbred production in the previous years of only 60 sacks. The program will continue for the second cropping season to validate the adaptability of the different hybrid rice varieties in Culasi, Antique.