RICE DEMO FARM. A team from Mariano Marcos State University visits a rice demonstration farm at the Ilocos Norte Agricultural College (INAC) in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte that features climate-resilient technologies. (Photo courtesy of INAC)
LAOAG CITY — The state-run Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) is partnering with the Ilocos Norte Agricultural College (INAC) to promote climate-resilient technologies through a nine-hectare rice demonstration farm.
The farm, established at INAC, is aimed at empowering local communities to sustain crop productivity amidst the challenges of climate change.
The project, dubbed “Sustaining Crop Productivity in Climate Vulnerable Areas in Ilocos Norte through Science and Technology Community-Based Farm (STCBF) on Climate Resilient Technologies”, features the use of carrageenan plant growth regulator, bio-N or a microbial-based fertilizer, straight row planting and use of quality seeds, among others, to increase income in rice farming.
After the harvest season, the same area shall be planted with peanut and corn as value-adding product.
The project is expected to benefit students, their parents as well as farm aides.
Mercy Ramos Gaño of the MMSU Extension Directorate said Monday the farm project forms part of the PHP4-million grant being facilitated by the MMSU for a period of two years.
Most of the funds came from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture Aquatic Resources Research and Development in partnership. Others that contributed to the project were the Ilocos Consortium for Industry and Energy Research and Development, local government units of Ilocos Norte including the provincial government, Department of Agriculture, Philippine Rice Research Institute, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute and other research and development agencies.
“Aside from INAC, similar projects are also being undertaken in various municipalities of the province such as in Burgos, Pasuquin, Solsona, Marcos, Piddig, Batac and Vintar,” Gaño noted.
Almer Ratuita, principal of INAC, said they have partnered with MMSU to be able to apply the latest innovations and practices on improved farming systems and later on, to be adopted by the local community for sustainable development. (PNA)
