FARMERS IN MASIGAY, DATU PIANG OBTAIN 100% YIELD INCREASE IN RICE
Hundreds of farmers in Barangay Masigay, Datu Piang, Maguindanao rejoiced after doubling their yield per hectare (ha) of palay from 3 tons/ha to 6 tons/ha after receiving farm inputs and technical assistance from the MAFAR for the Community-based Inbred Rice Production under Rainfed Ecosystem.
They manifested their joy during the first ever Rice Harvest Festival under rainfed ecosystem in the region, conducted by the MAFAR on September 17, 2020 in Masigay, with the overall facilitation of the Rice and Research Sectors led by Tong A. Abas, Regional Officer-In-Charge for Agricultural Services and Rice and Seed Focal Person.
The ceremonial harvesting was led by Minister Dr Mohammad S. Yacob with MAFAR-Maguindanao Provincial Head Abdulnasser K. Badawi, Provincial Operations Officer Dr Ronjamin M. Maulana, Focal Person Abas, BARMMIARC Center Manager Abdul Nasseef S. Ulong, MAFAR Municipal Officer (MMO) Jalanie P. Paguital, and Datu Salibo MMO Sonora A. Dagadas.
The farmers, who were members of the Al-Ittihad Taskforce and three cooperatives, received 250 bags of Certified Rice Seeds of NSIC Rc222, a very high yielding variety, from the ministry, which they planted in 250 hectares a little more than three months ago.
Focal Person Abas said the farmers showcased their discipline and responsibility by planting the seeds synchronously and managing them following the right technologies that resulted in their increased production from 60 bags to 120 bags per hectare or an increase of 3000 kilograms, which if sold at with the least price of Php10 per kilo, will give them Php30,000 more income.
Minister Yacob congratulated the farmers and motivated them more with his expression of sincere appreciation of their success in rice farming. He reiterated the BARMM’s effort to bring the government closer to the communities, of which the unrelenting servicers of the MAFAR is aligned.
“You should be respected for you produce the food we eat and that you are the backbone of the economy, reason enough for us to keep supporting you”, Minister Yacob stressed further reminding the farmers that they are considered partners of the government in advancing the regional economy.
Ustadz Moen Ranabor, Head of the MILF-CCCH Secretariat, attended the activity and expressed his joy after witnessing the healthy and abundant grains of rice in the area, that showcased the improvement of the farmers’ rice farming. He committed to provide the community with security support.
The harvest festival was also attended and supported by Engr. Ismail A. Guiamel, Assistant to the Minister for Overall Operations, Akmad A. Abdullah, MAFAR Regional Corn and Cassava Focal Person, Assistant BARMMIARC Center Manager Baharen A. Piang, BARMMIARC research associates, representatives from LEADS Agri Company, barangay local officials, and partners from the media.