THE MAFAR CONDUCTS RICE PLANTING FESTIVAL IN TWO SITES IN DATU SAUDI AMPATUAN
The MAFAR carried out two rounds of planting festival that were joyfully participated by farmers in two sites in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao on July 7, 2020.
The first round was done in the 10-hectare demo farm on Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CPAR) on Irrigated Lowland Inbred Rice Production planted with NSIC Rc222 or Tubigan 18 variety located in Barangay Lower Salbo.
Twelve farmers participated and joined the planting race led by farmer cooperator Datu Kuli Abas. The officials from the MAFAR who joined the ceremonial planting were by Tong A. Abas, MAFAR Regional Rice and Seed Focal Person, Dr Ronjamin M. Maulana, MAFAR-Maguindanao Operations Officer, Abdulnasseef S. Ulong, BARMMIARC Center Manager, Nanding D. Sayutin, Municipal Agricultural Officer (MAO), and Bai Hadiguia Dimaukom, Barangay Chairperson.
The farmers and other guests yelled as they watched the farmer contestants career the planting race to the finish line. After the challenging and exciting contest, farmer Jimmy Kamsa won and received cash prize awarded by Focal Person Abas.
Meanwhile, the same activity was also undertaken in another 10-hectare clustered farms in Barangay Kitango planted with the same variety. Twelve farmers, led by farmer-cooperator Norodin Indong were also gathered as contestants of the planting race. Jahirin Akan finished first and received cash prize while the other farmer participants were also given consolation prizes.
MAFAR-Maguindanao Operations Officer Dr. Maulana, said the activity aimed at showcasing the production performance of NSIC Rc222 variety with application of modern technologies.
He also emphasized that the activity aims to showcase the advantages and benefits of transplanting method in rice crop establishment in the attainment of improved production.
The farmers-participants of the demo sites extended their appreciation to all the MAFAR officials headed by Minister Dr. Mohammad S. Yacob for sharing valuable knowledge and bringing the program directly to their community.