MAFAR ESTABLISHES 150-HECTARE HYBRID RICE MODEL FARM IN DATU ODIN SINSUAT, MAGUINDANAO
Aimed at showcasing the technology and advantages of hybrid rice, the MAFAR conducted the ceremonial distribution of farm inputs yesterday (March 1, 2020) for the project on the Establishment of Model Farm on Community-Based Hybrid Rice Production in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The activity was done in the project site in Barangay Sapalan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
The preparations and actual distribution were facilitated by MAFAR staff under its Rice Program led by Focal Person Tong A. Abas in cooperation with BARMMIARC Center Manager Abdulnasseef S. Ulong, and former employees of MAFAR who serve as volunteers.
The ministry was able to deliver and distribute 150 bags of hybrid rice seeds of NSIC Rc204H (Mestizo 20) variety, 300 bags of urea fertilizer, 450 bags of complete fertilizer or 14-14-14, and bottles of insecticides and herbicides.
According to Focal Person Abas, they will also distribute organic fertilizers for basal application among the farmer-recipients to ensure healthy seedlings of hybrid rice in the demo farm.
The project on hybrid rice under 2019 funds from the Department of Agriculture, requires clustered areas of at least 100 hectares for more impactful implementation. With this, the project site in the municipality also covers areas in the neighboring barangay of Bugawas.
The activity was also actively participated by Provincial Agricultural Officer Abdulnasser K. Badawi, MAFAR-Maguindanao Team Leader Dr. Ronjamin M. Maulana, Provincial Agriculturist Mosibicak L. Guiabel, Municipal Agricultural Officer Akmad Dimacisil, the municipal administrator of Datu Odin Sinsuat, and Local Farmer Technician (LFT) President Alex Ibrahim with his co-farmer cooperators.
The implementing team also conducted technical briefing and interview with the farmer-beneficiaries for their enrollment to Rice Crop Manager or RCM.