Boosting Hybrid Rice production, Training of Trainers held

Collection of rice insect specimens.

Hands-on activities in the field like collection of rice insect specimens transpired in the duration of the training. The Training of Trainers (ToT) on Hybrid Rice Production aimed to strengthen the use of quality seeds of appropriate hybrid rice varieties in the various rice-producing provinces in Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental.

Valencia City, BUKIDNON---The Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center X through the Career Development and Management Services Section (CDMS) recently conducted a region-wide training of trainers attended mostly by Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and one city agriculturist.

The Training of Trainers (ToT) on Hybrid Rice Production aimed to strengthen the use of quality seeds of appropriate hybrid rice varieties in the various rice-producing provinces in Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental. It also intended to enhance the capacity of regional training teams to train rice farmers on how to produce their own quality hybrid rice seeds and help them understand and appreciate the advantages of using such varieties.

Research study result of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) confirms that hybrid rice advantages include increased yields, increased vigor (which makes them more competitive with weeds), and increased resistance to diseases and insects.

Hands-on activities in the field, collection of rice insect specimens, facilitated discussions on seed production, and mindsetting and planning activities were covered in the duration of the training. The 33 participants were expected to develop their regional action plans per municipality for an enhanced season-long training for rice farmers in their respective areas.

The three-day event, as organized by Agriculturist I and Project Officer Marcos R. Rubin, transpired on June 6 – 8, 2018 at Jocel’s Garden in Valencia City, Bukidnon. (with reports from Marcos R. Rubin, Agriculturist I)