Enhancing productivity of rice farmers through diversified and intensified rice-based farming systems: a village-level integration approach
2004
Casimero, M.C. | Corales, R.G. (Philippine Rice Research Inst., Maligaya, Munoz, Nueva Ecija (Philippines). Central Experiment Station) Rebuelta, P.A. | Marcelino, L.R.
Productivity of farmers in the fragile ecosystems remain low because of inherent problems in the ecosystem. Despite these constraints, these ecosystems form part of the country's limited arable lands, where farmers at best provide low input and traditional production technology. Much needs to be done to increase yields of rice and other crops. Farmers need to diversify and intensify their farming systems to increase their productivity and enhance the sustainability of the fragile ecosystems. The question on why farmers insist on farming rice in the fragile ecosystems comes into mind; many people think that farming has to be done early in areas where crops can grow favorably. Farmers in fragile ecosystems know that rice production is not profitable, but they will always plant rice because of need. Farmers will always opt to produce their own rice rather than buy from the market. The adversity of the ecosystem, however, does not pose much of a hindrance if farmers persevere and aim for increased productivity. This has been proven by the Ilocano farmers in Northern Luzon [Philippines], where landholdings are small and farms are drought-prone during the dry season. Ilocano farmers have adapted by developing intensive and diversified farming systems that enable them to generate more income than some farmers in irrigated rice areas
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