Rice growers get tips on latest farming techniques

MANILA, Philippines - Farmers who are receptive to modern farming technologies and practices can truly increase their harvest and at least double their previous incomes from hybrid rice farming, according to Cathy Galura, senior vice president for operation of SL Agritech Corp., the country’s top producer of the SL-H8 hybrid rice seeds variety.

She said SL Agritech is currently conducting series of meetings among rice farmers nationwide “to keep them abreast with the latest technological approaches in hybrid rice farming.”

Galura said her firm started the three-month farmers’ meeting or “SL-Farmers’ Ugnayan” last September in support of the government’s hybrid rice production program. “Our main objective here is not only to uplift the farmers’ conditions but we likewise believe, it could spell progress for our country,” she said.

“In Sultan Kudarat, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Zamboanga, Cagayan, Isabela, Ilocos Sur, Agusan del Sur, Occidental Mindoro at kahit na saan lugar kami mag-conduct ng ganitong pagbibigay kaalaman sa ating mga magsasaka, masasabi kong very enthusiastic ang mga farmers na matuto sila ng mga makabagong pamamaraan ng pagtatanim ng hybrid rice,” she said.

She said this month, the series of meetings will be conducted in other regions of the country to include Surigao del Sur, Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte.

Galura explained that actual lectures on the right farming technology for hybrid rice include pre-crop planting, land preparation, crop establishment, nutrient management, pest management and water management.

The meeting is being conducted by SL Agritech technical staff composed of Galura, Dr. Noel G. Mamicpic, vice president for quality control; Joh Dungca, promotions manager and Doña Lim, SL Agritech supply chain manager; the firm’s regional sales manager, technical sales representatives and field service officers, in coordination with the provincial agriculturists.