Integrated R and D/E [Research and Development/Extension] for aerobic rice production system: improving productivity and enhancing technology adaption in water scarce areas of Cagayan Valley [Philippines]
2014
Balderama, O.F. | dela Peña, C.
Aerobic Rice Technology (ART) is a promising technology for rice production under water scarce regime. ART is a new water-saving technology of rice production which involves growing drought and disease tolerant high yielding and short-duration rice varieties in non-flooded and non-puddled soil in water-scarce areas, such as rain fed, lowland and upland and tail-end portions of gravity irrigation systems. Water savings is estimated at 50%, input reduction of 30% as well as easier to management in terms of labor intensity requirements. The project aimed to improve eco-system based rice farming system through appropriate water-saving technologies to increase rice production and farmers' income by at least 15% in water scarce areas of Cagayan Valley particularly the uplands and rainfed areas through innovative research extension modalities. In the farmer's field, trials yielded harvest of 4-6 tons per hectare planted in months of July to January. For an experiment planted in January 2012, water use efficiency of 2.2 grams of grains produce per kg of water was obtained as compared to only to about 0.4 g/kg for traditional flooded rice production practice. Economic return is also promising. At yield level of 4 tons per hectare, the cost of production is P34,135.20, gross sales at prevailing rate is 126,000 pesos, net income of 92,664.80 and a return of investment at 2.71. To enhance the dissemination and adaption of the technology, extension activities were undertaken such as production and distribution of brochures as techno-guides as well ART training manual; training of trainors to Agricultural Extension Workers and Farmer Leaders, conduct of Farmer Participatory Trial and Field Day.
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