Hybrid Rice Varieties up for farmers selection in Antique

Six hybrid rice varieties showcased their respective potentials during community hybrid rice model farm field day in Brgy. Bagacay, Culasi, Antique.

Around 200 rice farmers witnessed the performance of TH82, SL19, LP 937, LP 2096, Bigante Plus and Jackpot varieties which were planted following scientific-based technologies.

The Community Hybrid Rice Model Farm (CHRMF) of the DA rice program promotes the potential of hybrid rice varieties that is adaptable to the locality.

“Site validation and orientation of farmer cooperators were the initial activities of the project, then the conduct of Geographical referencing to ascertain the topography of the farm. Indeed it was an arduous task but fulfilling since there were 79 farmer cooperators who readily accepted the project. They are members of Lamputong Esperanza Caridad Bagacay Fe (LAESCABAFE) farmers association and Pangata Irrigators Service Association Inc., “said Pinky Adolacion, DA Provincial Coordinator.

The hybrid rice varieties were evaluated as production/yield, texture, quality of grains, climate adaptability as well resistance to pest and diseases. Adolacion also said that four bags of T14 fertilizers, half bag of Urea and MOP per hectare as well as Bio-Fertilizers were given to the cooperators in a buying-sharing scheme, DA and fertilizer companies shouldered the farm inputs of 50 percent and 50 percent remaining cost will be paid back by the farmer cooperator to their association.

“I was an inbred rice farmer for almost 40 years . The CHRMF project of the DA-WV rice program introduced TH 82 hybrid rice variety recently. Akon gin tanom ang ini nga seeds sa akon isa ka ektarya nga palayan sang nagligad nga hulyo 17, kag diri gid ako nalipay nga ang pagtubo sang palay mapagon kag matinggas subong man resistensyado sa peste,” said Fred Magaso 52 years old.

Magaso is expecting to harvest more than 100 sacks of hybrid TH82 rice variety. With a return of investment of around P60,000 pesos less labor cost. Comparing to his inbred production in the previous years of only 60sacks. The program will continue for the second cropping season to again validate the adaptability of the different hybrid rice varieties in Culasi, Antique. ### Texts and Photos by Joan N. Capaciete/DA-RAFIS 6