Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Bohol approved a resolution that grants authority to Gov. Art Yap to sign a Letter of Intent to the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) to pave the way for a collaboration with the latter in the implementation of the “PalaySikatan: The RCEF Technology Demonstration of Recommended Rice Varieties and Mechanized Farming System” under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program.
This project aims to increase the usage of high-quality inbred rice seeds and technology in order to gain higher rice yield in the province.
According to OIC Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Larry Pamugas, PalaySikatan is one of the key strategies of RCEF Seed Program that aims to showcase the benefits of using certified inbred rice seeds, mechanized farming system, and other yield-enhancing and cost-reducing farm technology.
Under this program, the national and regional DA offices will recommend inbred rice varieties to farmers. The agencies will teach the farmers the corresponding crop management systems.
The program also exhibits newly released inbred rice varieties.
Likewise, the program has a component where farmers are able to share their knowledge to others.
As stipulated in the Letter of Intent, the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) shall lead in the identification of local government units (LGU) where the said program will be implemented. The PGBh shall also closely coordinate with LGUs for the establishment and monitoring of program implementation sites. The PGBh shall also help DA-PhilRice in monitoring and gathering data and other relevant information.
Moreover, DA-PhilRice shall prioritize the establishment of techno-demo sites in LGUs with low to medium yield, and low farmer’s adoption of certified seeds. It shall provide financial support to identified farmer-partners to help defray the cost of inputs, land preparation, crop establishment, and harvesting needed for the proper implementation of the PalaySikatan protocol.
