PLANTING FESTIVAL IN SULTAN MASTURA FEATURES PLANTING RACE FOR WOMEN
The 17th rice planting festival for the 50-Hectare Model Farm on Inbred Palay Production was conducted by the MAFAR in Barangay Tuka, Sultan Mastura on July 19, 2020 and it featured the planting race that was highlighted by the first ever active participation of the female farmers.
The main rice field exhibited the word ‘SULTAN MASTURA, shaped using the rice seedlings that were then planted by the farmers.
The activity showcased the benefits of ‘transplanting’ over direct seeding among farmers as it requires less seeds, it ensures more tillers, and facilitates farm operations like weeding and fertilizer application.
After the challenging and exciting contest, farmer Esmail Musa Ebrahim won the race and received Php1,500 cash prize. His co farmer-contestants received Php500 each.
In the female category with five contenders, farmer Mariam Tolawi won the race and received Php1,000 cash prize. Her farmer-competitors each received Php500 cash as consolation prizes.
The planting ceremony was led by MAFAR Operations Chief for Agriculture Engr. Ismail A. Guiamel, with Regional Rice and Seed Focal Person Tong A. Abas, Maguindanao Provincial Head Abdulnasser K. Badawi, Municipal Agricultural Officer Engr. Giomla Satol, NSQCS-BARMM Chief Omara M. Kempa, and Hon. Barangay Chairman Zainudin Mala.
According to Engr. Guiamel, the activity aimed to emphasize that the Bangsamoro people are competitive when it comes to production and promotion of sustainable agriculture in the Province of Maguindanao and in the BARMM as a whole. Engr. Guiamel also recognized the initiative of the Bangsamoro government in uplifting the lives and the economic status of the farmers by bringing the government closer to the communities through the direct provision of the services and assistance they need.
Meanwhile, Maguindanao Provincial Head Badawi thanked the farmers for embracing the project and for the hardwork they have shared to attain food sufficiency.
The activity was also witnessed by the farmers, agricultural extension workers, local government officials, NSQCS-BARMM officers, and media personnel.