TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Agriculture in Eastern Visayas (DA-8), in conjunction with the Provincial Government of Biliran and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Naval, kicked off a technical briefing and capacity building on Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS).
This event forms part of the groundwork for the upcoming Provincial Hybrid Rice Cluster Farm cum Balanced Fertilization Strategy Technology Derby at Brgy. Villa Consuelo, Naval, Biliran.
A total of 137 hectares of the barangay's rice field will serve as the platform to demonstrate various hybrid rice varieties, showcasing innovative agricultural practices. In line with this, seed and bio-fertilizer companies will share their expertise to promote a significant increase in rice productivity and enhance the income of local farmers.
The event saw participation from several seed and fertilizer corporations, which presented a variety of hybrid rice seeds for the techno demonstration. Participating seed companies for this year's derby include Longping, Aljay, Tao Seeds, Seed Works, SL AgriTech, Syngenta, Maharlika, and Leads Agri.
Furthermore, seven organic fertilizer companies, namely AHCIL/FarmTech, Planta Green, Global Green, Uni Grow, ADAMCO, and SL Biotech, will contribute to enlightening about 155 rice farmers from four farmers' associations in Brgy. Villa Consuelo about new farming technologies throughout the cropping season.
One of the event's main attractions was the ceremonial distribution of agricultural inputs like fertilizers and hybrid seeds to the participating rice farmers, a pivotal move in preparation for the upcoming rice derby.
Several government agencies, including PhilRice, the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, the Agricultural Training Institute, the National Irrigation Administration, the National Food Authority, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, the Provincial Government of Biliran, and the Municipality of Naval, expressed their support for this promising agricultural endeavor.