Pests and diseases on rice were factors causing rice farmers to reduce their yield and suffer lower profit. It has been a problem to regions in northern Mindanao as one rice-producing regions in the Philippines

To help address the said concern, the DA- Agricultural Training Institute- Regional Training Center X ( ATI-RTC X) has consecutively conducted the Knowledge Sharing Learning (KSL) on Pest and Disease Management.

Three batches of the said activities were conducted in the different parts of the region. Each batch was attended by 20 rice farmers which were specifically at Jasaan, Misamis Oriental, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon and San Fernando, Bukidnon

The KSL emphasized on topics on AgriTools on Rice Production which was discussed by Ms. Jhoylie Mae Caumban, ATI-RTC X-Regional Focal Point Person of Rice. Caumban in her lecture explained the importance of familiarizing the decision support tools that are accessible online and how is can help them in pest and disease control by providing instant disease diagnosis, farm advisory, and free courses relevant to their needs. The agritools that were e-extension, farmers contact center, rice knowledge bank, rice crop manager, rice doctor, weed identification tool, pinoy rice knowledge bank, PhilRice text center, and the Payong PAGASA.

Farmers lose an estimated average of 37% of their rice crop to pests and diseases every year. Pest damage to rice plants can seriously reduce yield and lower profits.

Likewise, one of the important discussions among others was on KeyCheck 7 of the PalayCheck System: No significant yield loss to pest was shared by RCEF staff Bryan Jay Cabugwason.

The activities were held from March 9, 2021 (Batch 1), March 11, 2021( Batch 2), March 12, 2021 (Batch 4). Also, these were made possible by the help of their respective LGU, to wit: LGU-Jasaan, Misamis Oriental, LGU-Valencia City, LGU- Cabanglasan, and LGU-San Fernando in Bukidnon (from the reports of Jhoylie Mae Rosales, Bryan Cabugwason, and Marylie Monteroyo).