MAGUINDANAO – As a signal of the simultaneous planting of farmer-cooperators on a one-hundred-hectare model farm on rice-based farming system, a planting festival was held on January 27, 2021 in barangay Kilangan, Pagalungan, Maguindanao.

The ceremonial planting was led by MAFAR Director for Agricultural Services Engr. Ismail Guiamel.

“MAFAR aims to provide as much as possible to the needs of farmers to increase their yield and income and that the said model farm will be useful to the majority. By using geo-referencing, the exact extent of the farmer’s farm will be determined how many bags of rice seeds should be given. This is an example of the moral governance and transparency strategy implemented managed by MAFAR Minister Mohammad Yacob, PhD in accordance with the order of Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, Al-Haj,” Guiamel explained.

Meanwhile, according to Tong Abas who is also the regional rice program coordinator, the first model farm in the region was funded under the Bangsamoro Appropriation Act.

Farmer-cooperators will receive certified rice seed NSIC Rc 222, complete and foliar fertilizer, herbicide, fungicide, pesticide and rodenticide.