MARAWI CITY (PIA) -- The Agriculture Research Outreach Station of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) in Lanao del Sur, spearheaded an adaptability trial for declining upland rice varieties in Butig, Lanao del Sur on February 28

In collaboration with the MAFAR Butig Office and local community volunteers, the initiative aimed to combat the declining presence of specific upland rice varieties in the province.

The trial focused on evaluating the adaptability and performance of 10 distinct rice varieties, namely Mamayad sa Bayadan, Goket, Dinorado, Kiraban, Kapokaw, Makasapi, Matanos, Sagol, Organic Black Rice, and Makalitag.

Agriculture Research Outreach Station head Amer Magarang said the trial, which included soil sampling, fertilizer application, and the planting of the rice varieties, sought to collect extensive data on each variety's characteristic performance under local conditions. 

Magarang underscored the importance of these trials, highlighting the pressing need to preserve these upland rice varieties, which have been gradually losing prominence in local farming practices. 

He also emphasized the trials as crucial steps to identify resilient and productive rice strains suited for Lanao Del Sur's upland regions, aligned with MAFAR's commitment to agricultural sustainability. (APB with reports from MAFAR Lanao del Sur / PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)