Precision farming is now the new trend in Agriculture. Rice farmers are now experiencing growth in their harvest through the use of precise application of fertilizer like Rice Crop Manager (RCM) Program.

RCM in the Philippines was developed, released, evaluated, and upgraded for use with personal computers and smartphones during Phase I of the project (2013 - 2015) through the support of the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Bureau of Agricultural Research. RCM contributes to the implementation of appropriate modern precision farming by providing farmers with personalized crop and nutrient management recommendations matching their location-specific rice-growing conditions. Adjacent farmers with different rice-growing conditions receive different recommendations.

The recommendations provided to farmers by RCM are intended to increase the net income of a farmer by P 4,500.00 per hectare per crop, while also increasing rice production through the attainment of higher yields.

To increase the yields of rice farmers, a total of six (6) representatives from different farm schools for Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) and nine (9) technicians from different towns in CALABARZON took part on the Regional Training of Trainers on RCM Advisory Service (RAS) on June 15 - 18, 2021 in Los Baños, Laguna. The training aims to enhance their capacity to operate, use and train others on the upgraded RCM Advisory Service.

Ms. Suzette Panopio from DA – Regional Field Office (RFO) together with Mr. John Mark Vincent Pasang of DA - Rizal Agricultural Research and Experiment Station (RARES) serve as the resource speakers on the features of RCM and the importance of using Global Positioning System (GPS) measurement in providing RCM recommendation.

The participants are expected to formulate their re-entry plans for their project.

On the other hand, 80 rice farmers participated in the two (2) batches of RCM briefings held on June 1 - 4, 2021, in eight (8) city/municipalities of Quezon province namely San Antonio, Tiaong, Sariaya, Tayabas City (Batch 1) and Lucban, Sampaloc, Mauban and Pagbilao (Batch 2). Farmers were provided with lectures on crop management using the RCM field recommendations as well as open forum discussions on their farming operations, issues and concerns. The activity generated 80 field recommendations.

RCM is an application that could be accessed via smart phone or a computer with internet connection. It allows extension officers to give farmers a specific recommendation on nutrient, pest, weed, or water management, depending on the farmer’s specific variety used, his yield from the previous season, and the site-specific conditions of the field.

Content: Hans Christopher C. Flores