Sanchez Mira, Cagayan – “Every grain counts, let us not waste it, be a riceponsible one”!

In a bold step toward sustainable agriculture and improved food security, Region 02 is intensifying efforts to promote hybrid rice production and the adoption of Balanced Fertilization Pesticide Strategy (BFPS) across clustered irrigated areas.

Supported by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office no. 02 and the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), the project seeks to boost rice productivity, reduce production costs, and ensure the long-term health of agricultural soils.

BFPS is a science-based approach that integrates organic and inorganic fertilizer use to promote soil fertility and plant nutrition. More than just maximizing yields, the strategy offers a cost-effective and environmentally responsible solution to issues such as soil degradation and nutrient imbalance.

Empowering Farmers through Innovation

The project is set to roll out in five selected clustered irrigated lowland areas in Region 02, covering at least 50 hectares during crop year 2024-2025. It demonstrates how strategic fertilization-coupled with the use of hybrid seeds-can significantly increase yields, targeting an 8 to 10 metric tons per hectare by the end of 2025.

Beyond yield improvements, the initiative prioritizes farmer empowerment by enhancing the capacities of five farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs), encouraging widespread adoption and use of 15kg of seeds/ha, 6packs Bio-N/ha, 20 bags organic fertilizer applied during land preparation, supplemental application of Carageenan at 9L/ha (3L/ha application at 15, 30, 45 days after transplanting (DAT), NPK recommendation based on Soils Laboratory Analysis/Soil Fertility Map, 20 bags/ha organic fertilizer applied during land preparation, CFAs (Trichoderma harzianum applied before plowing under stubbles at 20 packs/ha).

One of the Balanced Fertilization and Pesticide Strategy (BFPS) projects implemented for the 2024-2025 dry season (DS) cropping is located at Capanikkian, Sanchez Mira, Cagayan. The project established in 10-hectare demonstration areas involving farmer-cooperators. The field day of the said BFPS was conducted on April 24, 2025 at Capanikkian, Sanchez Mira, Cagayan.
“Let us all continue to be stewards of farming, especially rice production, as everyone depend on us. If we stop producing rice, there will be no rice which could lead to hunger”, emphasized Dr. Marilou Agaid, Chief, Northern Cagayan Experiment Station (NCES), Abulug, Cagayan during the field day.

She urged farmers to adopt BFS technologies promoted by DA RFO 02 and DA-BAR, considering both the environmental and economic benefits. “Above all, this is about being caretakers of the land they till for the benefit of both current and future generations,” she added.

Science-Driven Results

According to Mr. Emmanuel Tipon, Science Research Specialist II of NCES, crop cut results revealed that the BFPS approach using hybrid seeds achieved a yield of 7.9MT/ha while the farmer’s practice yielded only 5.5MT.

A Model of Success

Mr. Nelson Ursua, Treasurer, Sanjera-Kapanikkian Farmers Association and a farmer-cooperator shared his success story during the field day held on April 24, 2025, in Sanchez Mira.
“Through technologies such as the right kind, the right amount, and the right timing of fertilizer application, I increased my yield from 5 to almost 8 metric tons. This project has truly made a difference in my farm,” he said, expressing gratitude to DA RFO 02 and DA-BAR for their support.

Promoting Sustainable Farming Through Innovation and Collaboration

Ms. Chonalyn A. Pascua, Supervising Science Research Specialist at the DA RFO 02 Research Division, praised the farmers’ enthusiasm and dedication. “We thank our farmer-beneficiaries for embracing this project wholeheartedly. We encourage you to share your learned technologies with others so more farmers can attain higher yield and income,” she said.

She further explained that organic fertilizers nourish the soil, while inorganic fertilizers feed the plant. Combining the two contributes to more sustainable yield.

Broad Support from the Agricultural Community

The field day was also attended by Ms. Charity A. Verzosa, Senior Science Research Specialist from DA RFO 02 Research Division, Ms. Rizalina Manuel from DA-SCRC, Mr. Ronello Abella and other staff from DA-QES); representatives from private agri-companies; representatives from the local government units of Sanchez Mira and Ballesteros; and various farmer cooperators and stakeholders, including Jennifer Rosales(farmer-cooperator), Juanito Rompon (FCA president and former cooperator), and Fernando Cabulisan (farmer cooperator).
Their presence underscored a shared commitment to advancing sustainable rice farming in Region 02.

As the program move forward, stakeholders remain optimistic that the Balanced Fertilization and Pesticide Strategy, when paired with hybrid rice technology, will pave the way for a more resilient and productive rice industry in the region.

Via: Catherine S. Jimenez, Science Research Specialist II, Research Division
Infographic poster, Kenneth M. Tacus, RAFIS