The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 02 (DA RFO 02), through the Southern Cagayan Research Center (DA RFO-SCRC), conducted a Farmers’ Field Day on March 26, 2025, in Bangag, Solana, Cagayan.

The event focused on the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR)-funded project titled “Scaling Rice Technologies for Hybrid Rice Production in Clustered Irrigated Areas of Region 02.” This initiative aims to transform rice production in the region.

The project showcased various rice cultivation technologies such as use of hybrid seed at 15 kg/ha, use of Bio-N at 6 packs/ha applied at seedbed, NPK fertilization based on soil analysis, the use of organic fertilizers at 20 bags/ha, and the application of soil ameliorants like carrageenan at 3L/ha application during 15, 30, 45 Days After Transplanting (DAT).

Additionally, farmers learned about Trichoderma harzianum or Compost Fungus Activator (CFA) with 20 packs/ha sprayed, applied before initial land preparation to hasten rice straw decomposition.

Members of the North West Solana Farmers Irrigators Association (NWSFIA) and over 100 farmers participated in the event, which provided a hands-on experience aimed at improving agricultural practices and increasing productivity in the area.

The event began with a warm welcome from Mr. John Gil Doca, the Barangay Captain of Bangag, Solana, who encouraged farmers to embrace and support the new technologies.

“Pahalagahan natin at suportahan ang mga teknolohiyang ito,” he said, emphasizing the importance of these innovations in improving the lives of local farmers.

Hector Tabbun, Chief of the Research Division, also addressed the gathering, urging participants to share what they had learned during the event. “Nawa ang mga bagay na inyong natutunan, nalaman, at malalaman dito ay ibahagi ninyo sa inyong mga kakilala, kapitbahay, at kalapit barangay,” he said, encouraging farmers to pass on their knowledge to others in the community.

Vice Mayor Maynard Z. Carag of Solana, Cagayan, highlighted the unpredictable nature of farming, calling it a “gamble” from preparation to harvesting.

His message underscored the challenges farmers face but also emphasized the importance of continuous learning and adaptation to new and appropriate technologies.

Ramil A. Jose, a representative from the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), expressed his appreciation for the innovative technologies being introduced and assured farmers of the Department of Agriculture’s continued support. “Marami pang teknolohiya mula sa Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka na makakatulong sa bawat magsasaka,” he said.

Moreover, Mr. Tumamao presented the initial results of the ongoing project, showcasing the potential of hybrid rice varieties in increasing yields. The initial harvest using Syngenta’s S6003 hybrid rice seed yielded 8.8 tons per hectare.

A testimony from Mr. Alexander Unite, a local farmer, highlighted the positive impact of these technologies. “Maganda ang teknolohiyang ito. Kung talagang aaralin natin at susundin ang tamang proseso, malaki ang maitutulong nito sa atin,” he said, expressing his gratitude for the project and its potential benefits.

His words captured the optimism surrounding the project, reflecting hope for a more productive and sustainable future for rice farming in the region while supporting researchers’ eagerness to explore more innovative solutions.