Modification of developed lowland technologies to address production constraints in the highlands

Heirloom Rice varieties are popularly grown in the highlands of Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). These varieties have exceptional cooking quality, flavor, aroma, texture, color and nutritional value, commanding high demand and price in both local and international market. However, there are several constraints in the production of heirloom rice, including low yield due to nutrient deficiencies, rice diseases such as blast and bacterial blight, and pest like rats and aquatic worms. At present, newly developed technologies yielded significant impacts in the productivity and sustainability in lowland rice production. These innovations could potentially provide similar results in addressing production constraints when introduced in the highlands. The Heirloom Rice Project conducted on-site field testing of four mature lowland technologies in strategic heirloom rice producing areas from the provinces of Benguet, Mountain Province, Kalinga, and Ifugao [Philippines]. Ten techno-demo set-ups were established for each technology. The modified Dapog Technology aims to address the seedling damage and low seed germination at the seedbed caused by aquatic worm activities. Aside from providing additional income, Integrated farming through the Rice Duck Technology could serve as alternative natural management of snails and weeds. Controlled Irrigation Technology could potentially enhance production in suspected zinc-deficient terraces due to waterlogged practice of irrigation. Through the Community Rat Trap Barrier System, yield losses due to rodents could be significantly reduced. The project also conducted soil analysis using the Minus One Element Technique (MOET) to determine nutrient deficiencies in problematic soils. Carbonized Rice Hull (CRH) used in the Modified Dapog limited aquatic worm activities as indicated by reduced castings in the seedbed. Better crop growth was also documented in plots using alternate wetting and drying irrigation method. Final results of the on-going study will be used in the modification of the technologies in crafting location-specific technology versions.