MODEL FARM. An inbred rice model farm in Siquijor, manned by the Lotlotan Water Impounding System Association, is projected to yield more than four tons of rice if no calamities or pest and disease outbreaks will occur. This five-hectare inbred rice model farm is located in Barangay Lotlotan, Enrique Villanueva town of Siquijor province. (Photo courtesy of DA-7)
CEBU CITY – A five-hectare inbred rice model farm in Lotlotan, Enrique Villanueva in the neighboring island province of Siquijor is showing a promising yield, the Department of Agriculture (DA-7)-Central Visayas said.
The monitoring team composed of provincial agriculture officials and the local government cited the model farm’s projected yield of more than four tons of rice if no calamities or pest and disease outbreaks will occur.
Gregolito Bunado, agriculture program coordinating officer for Siquijor at DA-7, said in a statement on Thursday the agency provided 14 bags of complete fertilizers, 12 bags of urea, one bag of muriate of potash, one bag of phosphate, bags of certified inbreed seeds, and 250 cards of trichogramma to the model farm.
The Siquijor Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) provides support during the field works at the farm while the local government aids on the technical aspect.
During the monitoring, local agriculture officials noted the model farm is already on its flowering stage and is showing an impressive performance.
The rice varieties used in the model farm are the NSIC Rc 354 and NSIC Rc 226, which are suitable in Siquijor's ecosystem.
PAO’s monitoring team led by Provincial Agriculturist Lilibeth Caroro said the varieties are among the farmers' choices as seeds can be used again in the next planting season, and have good eating quality and pests and disease resistance.
The Lotlotan Water Impounding System Association, which has 35 farmer-members, acts as the cooperator of the model farm. (PNA)
