MARAMAG, BUKIDNON – The Hybridization Program aims to increase farm efficiency to attain rice sufficiency through hybrid rice; the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), together with Central Mindanao University (CMU), led a ceremonial planting for the Hybrid Rice Derby.

Representing DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Audy G. Maagad, officer-in-charge, Field Operations Division, highlighted the benefits of using hybrid rice on Feb. 4 in Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon.

Maagad shared that hybrid rice is a good option for farmers to increase production, producing as much as 10-12 tons per hectare.

“With hybrid rice and the use of farm mechanization in land preparation, transplanting, and harvesting, the production cost is reduced while the yield increases, thus rice farmers get to earn more,” the DA official added.

CMU provided the 33-hectare farmland for seed companies to plant, where each of them is provided with three hectares to showcase their best varieties, including their respective cultural management practices and other technologies to enhance rice productivity.

This will then be displayed in a technology demonstration, so farmers can determine which variety is best suited for their respective areas.

Meanwhile, CMU President Jesus Antonio G. Derije said their institution welcomes opportunities to achieve rice sufficiency in the country.

“We want to be of help in producing rice to address the shortage and to produce more harvest because rice is a basic commodity that Filipinos need,” Derije said.

He underscored; they are one with the department in achieving the production of quality rice.

Said derby was participated by seed companies, which include Bayer, Dosepco, SL Agritech, Leads Agri, Ramgo, LongPin, Corteva, Syngenta, Bioseed, and Seed works, including DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute.

“With them [seed companies] responding to our call, it shows the strong collaboration of our public-private partnership, especially in this time of the pandemic, where Bayanihan is very much needed,” Maagad said.

Also present in the Rice Derby are DA-10 and CMU officials and staff, representatives from the seed companies, and farmers from the different towns of Bukidnon. # (CSeraspe)