PhilRice introduces climate change-ready technologies to Bicol farmers

Farmers tour around the PhilRice Bicol station to learn new farming technologies and methods developed PhilRice.

With the theme, “Pabago-bagong klima, kayang kaya basta may tamang teknolohiya,” The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Bicol Station introduced new knowledge and climate change-ready technologies for rice and rice-based production systems to local farmers during the Farmer’s Field Day on 19 November 2015 at PhilRice Bicol Station, Batang, Ligao City.

 

PhilRice has developed a cost-effective method for mushroom production that is suitable to the weather conditions of Bicol.

PhilRice researcher demonstrates the process on how to culture a mushroom.

Seven stations were prepared for demonstration of new technologies and information including Intensified Rice-based Agri-bio System (IRBAS), mushroom production, learning center, varietal demonstration, Palayabangan 10-5 challenge, modified direct seeding, as well as machineries for farming.

PhilRice researcher explains Azolla production to farmers during the field tour.

The technologies developed by PhilRice are based on the researches conducted within the Bicol region considering the environmental conditions of the locality. These technologies were designed to help the farmers overcome the negative effects of climate change in rice production and help them minimize or prevent production losses.

Farm machineries developed by PhilRice were also showcased during Farmer's Field Day.

One of the new technologies installed at PhilRice Bicol station is the Flat-bed Dryer. This facility is used to dry harvested crops such as rice and corn, coffee, and legumes. It can dry six tons of rice in 8-10 hours. 

One of the newly-installed climate change-ready facility in PhilRice Bicol is the flat-bed dryer.

PhilRice has also developed cost-effective methods and eco-friendly techniques such as the use of rice hull in mushroom production and as an alternative to LPG to fuel a stove.

PhilRice is continuously developing new technologies to achieve a more sustainable production of rice and other agricultural products, and address the need to feed more Filipinos in the next 20-25 years despite the industrialization of several areas in the country.Lala Peñafiel|albay3d.blogspot.com