Twenty-five Baras farmers have undergone Farmers’ Field School (FFS), a hands-on technical training on organic fertilizer production, and regular data recording, among other practical skills, in order to effectively use the system.
Most of the farmers have their first-time experience in measuring data like plant height, tillers, and grains.

“In conventional farming, the high cost of the farm inputs greatly reduces the possible income of a small rice farmer. Furthermore, we realized that by using inorganic fertilizers and chemicals, the soil reduces its nutrients which results low yielding harvest,” said Angelito Follantes, a farmer-technician in the municipality.

“With SRI, we are able to changed our practice on how to cultivate rice, we’re able to elevate our social economic welfare as well as produce of naturally grown, safe, healthy and affordable rice for consumers. Also, it will help preserve and protect the biodiversity of farms in Baras,’’ he added.

According to him it was observed that rice grown under SRI were more resistant to diseases and were able to withstand drought compared to rice grown conventionally.

He also expected that their yield will increase around 200%-400% this coming harvest season.

“We believed that SRI is a scientific and technical practice of agriculture. The more we involve our local farmers into this practice, all the more that they will be empowered and be self-reliant,” said Baras Municipal Agriculture Officer Engr. Jonathan Argueza.

With this technology, it is believed that Baras farmers will soon be one of the naturally grown-rice producers of the country. • (JBGA, DA-RAFIS)

[Photos Courtesy of Angelito Follantes]