A side-by-side comparison of traditional upland rice and hybrid rice TH 82 variety highlights the improved yield and resilience of hybrid rice, which can produce up to 87 bags per hectare compared to the 50-bag yield of traditional varieties. (Photo: ADD/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
LINAMON, Lanao del Norte (PIA) — Amruding Talib, a farmer from Tagoloan, initially doubted the potential of hybrid rice. But after seeing the new variety flourish at a recent field demonstration, he’s now eager to plant it.
“Now that I have seen it bear grain, I am truly happy,” Talib said. “I can say that we should plant because it will yield a harvest. This is a great help for me as a farmer.”
Talib’s reaction came during a Farmers’ Field Day and Farm Walk organized by the provincial government’s Provincial Agriculture Office at the Mindanao Rice Agricultural Innovation Center on March 21. The event aimed to introduce high-yielding, climate-resilient rice and corn varieties to local farmers.
Mechelle Merambel, provincial rice coordinator, said traditional upland rice varieties struggle with strong winds and typhoons, prompting the trial of hybrid rice TH82. Results showed the hybrid yielded an average of 4.32 metric tons per hectare, significantly more than the 50 bags per hectare of traditional varieties.
“This activity is just the first step in helping our farmers adapt to new technology, particularly in upland rice production, to further boost yields and support food security in the province,” Merambel said.
The event, attended by 10 municipal agriculturists and 40 farmers from across the province, also addressed declining rice production due to land conversion. Provincial Board Member Reinario Bihag said the goal is to encourage upland rice farming to compensate for losses in lowland areas.
Leoncio Sibay, a farmer from Bacolod, expressed gratitude for the government’s support, particularly the rice and corn mill his community received.
The field day allowed farmers to witness firsthand the potential of hybrid rice and modern farming techniques, turning skepticism into hope for a more productive future. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
