MAFAR SHOWCASES NOTABLE PERFORMANCES OF SORGHUM AND RICE IN HARVEST FESTIVAL

The waving matured grains of sorghum and rice were exhibited by the MAFAR in today’s (October 1) back-to-back harvest festival conducted under the Sorghum Adaptability Trial in Mirab and the Community-based Participatory Action Research (CPAR) on Rice Seed Production in Blensong, both in Upi, Maguindanao.

Led by Minister Dr Mohammad S. Yacob, the successive activities showcased the performance of two varieties of Sorghum, a crop used for food, fodder, and the production of beverages, and the very high yield of NSIC Rc222 rice variety that has reached more than eight tons per hectare based on the crop cut results.

The sorghum that came from the DA-Central Office was planted in a portion of the area in the Research Outreach Station (ROS) in Barangay Mirab, facilitated by Superintendent Dasib Mendatu with assistance from Akmad A. Abdullah, Regional Corn and Cassava Focal Person.
With a total area of 11 hectares, the rice seed production in Blensong under CPAR proj
ect was established under the management of Tong A. Abas, Regional Rice and Seed Focal Person and Abdul Nasseef S. Ulong, BARMMIARC Center Manager and Officer In-Charge for Agricultural Services.

Minister Yacob recognized the importance of the farmers in such activities and in realizing higher production in rice and sorghum. He wanted to serve as ‘seed of hope’ for the farmers to help them graduate from poverty.

“Kasama niyo kami palagi at nandito kami para suportahan ka’yo at gagawin namin ang makabubuti para sa inyo bilang bahagi ng pagtataguyod ng gobyernong BARMM (We are always with you; we are here to support you and we will do what is good for you as part of upholding the BARMM government”, ensured the MAFAR minister.

The MAFAR Chief also called for higher level of collaboration and expansion of market for the farmers and to hear their voice, that is the essence of his continuing presence in the major field activities of the ministry.

Focal Person Abas stressed that the farmers are involved in the actual implementation of the CPAR project particularly in deciding and carrying out the processes and technology application to boost their seed production.

Abas reiterated the ministry’s campaign for farm clustering, use of high yielding rice varieties, synchronous planting, nitrogen-based rice farming, and use of registered and certified seeds.
Omara M. Kempa, NSQCS-BARMM Chief, said the harvest festival manifested the success of the implementation of programs in the region.

After expressing his salute to Minister Yacob, Hon. Alexander Peñalosa, Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture in Upi, announced the decision of Hon. Mayor Ramon A. Piang, Sr. for the LGU to buy the specific rice produce of the farmers at the price offered by the NFA that is at least Php19.00.

Aside from the media partners, the harvest festival was also graced by Engr. Sukarno B. Datukan, Administrator of the Upi Agricultural School (UAS) and long time partner of the agency in its research and extension services.