ISABELA, Philippines – Twenty (20) local rice farmers from three farmers’ organizations in Isabela widened their agricultural horizons through a Lakbay-Aral project of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
“The two-day learning expedition aims to expose agrarian reform beneficiaries on modern farm practices and to show them the latest innovations on farming,” said Regional Director Marjorie Ayson.
The farmers visited the Philippine Council of Agriculture Aquatic and Natural Resources and Research Development (PCAARRD) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baños, Laguna where they witnessed the processes of integrated rice farming, tilapia production and processing, mango production and cacao production technology.
“This visit to PCAARRD piqued our farmers’ interest to venture in tilapia production for additional income. Those who own mango plantations gained knowledge on mango diseases and pest control,” said Ayson.
At the IRRI, the farmers observed field demonstrations and farm simulations of the uses of modern farm machinery and listened to lecture and discussions on rice varieties and how it is suited to different climatic and soil conditions.
On the 2nd day, the farmers explored the “Palayabangan” project of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija were video presentations on pest management were presented to them in a drama form.
At the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), the farmers were shown prototypes and actual farm implements and corn farming.
The two-day Lakbay-Aral was implemented under the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services Project (ARCCESS).
