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A group of
researchers from the Bulacan Agricultural State College,
in collaboration with other research and funding
institutions, initiated the aerobic-rice research and
development project in the province of Bulacan.
The
researchers sought to address the concern that farmers
will have to grow more rice with less water in the future,
hence the need to develop and promote aerobic-rice
technology in rain-fed areas where water supply is
limited.
The
project aims to refine farmers’ management practices in
rain-fed areas through a participatory approach to enhance
their capabilities, particularly on aerobic-rice system,
and to establish pilot demonstration farms in said areas.
Yields of
about 70 percent to 80 percent that of the high-input
flooded rice is expected to be achieved with the new
concept, which uses nutrient-responsive cultivars adapted
to aerobic soils. The technology combines growing of
drought-resistant rice varieties in nonflooded and
nonpuddled soil, employing appropriate cultural management
practices.
Bulacan
farmers attested that aerobic rice system proves more
advantageous compared with the conventional rice farming
method as it requires low inputs and less labor, produces
competitive yield and provides higher income. Aerobic rice
is also highly resistant to pests and diseases, and is
weed-competitive.
The
project, “Aerobic rice technology in rain-fed areas of
Bulacan,” the official entry of the Central Luzon
Agriculture and Resources Research and Development
Consortium in this years’ National Symposium on
Agriculture and Resources Research and Development (NSARRD),
is one of the finalists for the best paper (research
category).
Initiated
by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and
Natural Resources Research and Development, the NSARRD,
seeks to recognize the significant contributions of
institutions and individuals in uplifting the status of
agricultural research and development in the country.
(DOST S&T Media Service) | 
