Increasing the productivity, profitability and sustainability of white corn through the science and technology based farm project in Batac City, Ilocos Norte [Philippines]
2011
Alibuyog, A.Y. | Catudan, B.M. | Batuac, R.A. | Aguinaldo, A.C., Philippine Rice Research Inst., Batac, Ilocos Norte (Philippines) | Casil, F.B. Jr. | Quigao, A.C. | Cabuyadao, E.D. | Gappie, M.T., City Agriculture Office of Batac, Batac, Ilocos Norte (Philippines)
The Science and Technology based farm (STBF) Project, under the Techno Gabay Program, aimed at showcasing the effectiveness of S and T interventions in improving the productivity and income of the Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) and other adopters/beneficiaries in the locality. The STBF Project on white corn production was established in Baoa West, Batac City, Ilocos Norte from November 2007 to March 2010 to: 1) showcase S and T interventions on white corn production in Batac City, Ilocos Norte; and 2) promote the use of relevant science-based technologies on white corn production to at least 30 farmers in the locality. The MS best practices on white corn production were compared with the S and T interventions, namely: 1) minimum-tillage with rice straw as mulch; 2) planting distance of 75 cm between rows and 25 cm between hills; and, 3) application of appropriate inorganic fertilizers in combination with organic amendments. The S and T interventions on white corn production resulted to 15% yield increase and 35% increase in net profit over the MS best practices in the two cropping cycles. Although lesser material was used in the MS plot, it required higher labor for irrigation (13%), herbicide spraying (80%), and spot weeding (62%). The cost of fuel and oil for irrigation and herbicide were higher by 18% and 79%, respectively. Also, potassium content of the soil increased due to decomposed rice straw mulch. Partial budget analysis also showed that the S and T interventions' net benefit over the MS practices was Php 15,779/ha. After coming up with the final package of technology on white corn production, information dissemination should be done to reach all white corn producers, thus increasing white corn productivity not only in Batac, but in the entire Region.
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