MARAMAG, Bukidnon (PIA)—To address rice sufficiency through hybrid rice production, the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO)-10 launched the Maramag cluster Hybrid Rice Technology Demonstration, November 12.  

In partnership with the local government units, seed companies, and farmer associations, a total of 17 seed varieties will be showcased in the 13.85-hectare techno demo area in Barangay South Poblacion.

DA-10 Rice Focal Person Chona H. Nacalaban said the activity aims to showcase different hybrid rice varieties to find out the most suitable hybrid rice variety in their locality as well as determine the cost-benefit ratio of different hybrid rice varieties.

Nacalaban added that generated results from the techno demo will be one of the bases for the agency’s rice seeds procurement.

She further emphasized that the activity is in line with the National Rice Awareness Month this November with the theme, “Be RICEponsibly healthy.”

Bukidnon is one of the top 15 provinces of hybrid rice seed users in the country.

Meanwhile, Dr. Janet D. Lopez, DA-10 provincial operations center chief of Bukidnon, shared that said project is in line with the Bayanihan Agri Clusters (BAC) key strategy of the ‘OneDA reform agenda’.

“DA Secretary William D. Dar has been pushing for the strengthened farm clustering and consolidation to maximize production,” she added.

In response, Patag Coroña Irrigators Association Chair Abraham C. Sendiong, Jr. shared, “Ang hybrid rice derby ay isang tamang istratehiya ng DA para malaman kung anong tamang variety ng palay ang naaayon sa aming lugar.”

Said activity marks the first leg of the cluster and provincial-led hybrid rice techno demo to be conducted in Bukidnon which includes other areas like the cities of Valencia and Malaybalay, and the municipality of Kalilangan. (DA-10/PIA-10/Bukidnon)