MAFAR CELEBRATES NATIONAL RICE AWARENESS MONTH WITH INNOVATIVE RICE PLANTING FESTIVAL

In a festive celebration of National Rice Awareness Month, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform, in collaboration with the Philippine Holland Inc., organized a Rice Planting Festival featuring the latest direct seeding technology on November 28, 2023, at Barangay Poblacion, Datu Paglas, Maguindanao del Sur.

Tong A. Abas, Director II for Research Extension and Development Services, emphasized that the activity’s primary purpose is to showcase the reliability of direct-seeded technology in rice cultivation.

“If positive findings are observed, the ministry may recommend procuring machinery to be distributed to farmers,” Director Abas stated.

The utilization of Direct Seeding Technology aims to expedite the planting process, reducing the time farmers spend and allowing them to allocate their time to other activities.

Being one of the top rice-producing areas in the Bangsamoro region, the ministry selected Maguindanao del Sur as the first location for the demo farm.

Meanwhile, Bangsamoro Director General for Agriculture Services Daud K. Lagasi, Ph.D., underscored the significance of research in identifying what is appropriate and beneficial for our farmers.

“Our goal here is to demonstrate to farmers the importance and advantages of modern technology in enhancing and improving agriculture, resulting in increased yields and profits,” emphasized BDG Daud.

The activity was attended by key officials from MAFAR, Barangay, and Municipal Local Government Units of Datu Paglas, farmers, and other stakeholders.