Modern technology seen as key to rice sufficiency

MANILA, Philippines - Oriental Mindoro Gov. Arnan Panaligan said planting the high-yielding hybrid rice variety and the use of modern farming technology “are the keys to attain rice sufficiency for our country.”

Speaking before hundreds of farmers who attended the hybrid rice festival sponsored by SL Agritech Corp. in Calapan City, Panaligan assured them of his continued support and assistance in terms of infrastructure facilities such as irrigation and seed subsidy.

“Let us join hands to move our province further towards economic prosperity,” Panaligan said, as he noted many of the province’s farmers were very happy as their production has increased tremendously since they started planting the high-yielding SL-8H hybrid rice seeds variety.

Cresenciano Luzon, a farmer in Barangay Comunal in Calapan City who planted the SL-8H hybrid variety, was among those who harvested more than 210 canvans per hectare, according to city agricultural officer Carlos Domingo who was present during the festival.

Also at the affair were OIC provincial agriculturist Petronilo Dimailig, Calapan City agriculture technicians and officials of SL Agritech Corp. led by Cathy Galura, senior vice president for operation.

“Ang dati kong inaani sa pagtatanim ng inbred rice variety ay nasa pagitan lang ng 75-80 cabanes kada isang ektarya, pero nagtaka rin ako dahil sa pagtatanim ko nga ng SL-8H hybrid seeds ay nakapag-ani ako ng 212 cabanes kada isang ektarya,” Luzon said, adding “marami ring magsasaka dito sa amin sa Calapan ang umani ng higit 200 cabanes.”

Gov. Panaligan said the government should give more support to the farmers in terms of access to the market, credit, training and farming facilities, “if we are to utilize agriculture as an effective tool in fighting poverty and promoting economic prosperity.”