Aerobic rice technology (ART) improves the quantity and quality of rice harvest even in drought-stricken areas. Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) Nemencio Concepcion affirmed this during the 2nd Technology Field Day of the Science and Technology-based Farm Project (STBF) on aerobic rice production held recently in San Idelfonso, Bulacan.
MS Concepcion applied ART in his rice production which includes the use of NSIC 192 and furrow seeder spaced at 25─35 cm; direct seeding; planting at the onset of rainy season; among other science and technology (S&T) interventions. He also recommends the use of another drought-tolerant variety, the PSBRc-9 or APO.
With ART, Concepcion reduced the cost of his production by almost 50%.
MS Concepcion shared his testimony on the benefits of ART to 65 participants composed of farmers and staff members of local government units, Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC), Central Luzon Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLARRDEC), and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD).
The technology field day program provided an opportunity for farmers and other participants to gain and exchange information on improving rice production using S&T interventions.
BASC President Gerardo I. Mendoza commended PCAARRD and CLARRDEC for partnering with the College in implementing ART.
Incidentally, the BASC ART Team won the Pagasa ng Bayan Award in the 2011 Honor Awards Program given by the Civil Service Commission.