RICE PLANTING RACE IN DATU PAGLAS BRINGS JOY TO THE FARMERS
Another round of successful Planting Festival, as highlighted by the planting race, was held in Barangay Sipaka, Datu Paglas, Maguindanao, on July 9, 2020.
Aimed at contributing to the attainment of food sufficiency, the activity was conducted by the MAFAR-BARMM thru its Rice Banner Program, led by Regional Rice and Seed Focal Person Tong A. Abas.
The activity featured the planting race participated by some of the farmer-beneficiaries who were first timers to witness and join such contest. After the challenging race, farmer Tong Mangundas won the contest and he received the highest amount of cash prize. The remaining farmer participants also got cash prizes as consolation.
The area was targeted as a certified seed production site for the managing seed growers led by farmer Cooperator Faisal Bucol.
According to MAFAR-Maguindanao Operations Officer Dr Ronjamin M. Maulana, the program is an initiative to introduce to the farmers new and improved technologies in rice production to ensure higher productivity and help the farmers elevate their economic status.
Dr. Maulana also emphasized the advantage of transplanting method over direct seeding in rice crop establishment.
NSQCS-BARMM Chief Omara M. Kempa pointed out that their partnership with the MAFAR of the BARMM has benefited more farmers with more programs. She added that all these are in line with the advocacy of the BARMM government to bring more effective programs directly to the communities.
In an interview, Datu Paglas Municipal Mayor Hon. Abubakar P. Paglas recognized that their town is an agriculture area with high contribution of agri products especially rice for the Province of Maguindanao. Hon. Mayor Paglas thanked the MAFAR for supporting and strengthening the livelihood of the farmers by introducing new technologies and extending interventions needed by the farmers in their locality.
The planting festival wa also actively participated by MAFAR ICTS Chief Salembai A. Abdullah, MAFAR-Maguindanao Focal Person Adam Evaristo, BARMMIARC Entomologist Baharen Piang, Datu Paglas Municipal Agricultural Officer (MAO) Joffel Pompong, Buluan MAO Yusop Manalindo and the barangay officials.