Quezon, Isabela – The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office No. 02 (DA RFO 02), through its Cagayan Valley Research Center (CVRC) based in the City of Ilagan, Isabela, has successfully exceeded its 10-metric-ton per hectare rice yield target for the 2025 Wet Season, showcasing a major stride in sustainable rice production.

Results from the recently concluded Rice Variety and Bio-fertilizer Application Derby in an 8-hectare clustered rice area at Barangay Minagbag, Quezon, Isabela, revealed record-breaking yields—surpassing the target and demonstrating the impact of hybrid seeds and the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS)

“This initiative integrates biofertilizers and strategic nutrient management to boost yields and improve soil health,” said Ms. Gemma G. Bagunu, Senior Science Research Specialist of DA-CVRC. “The combination of organic and inorganic inputs—guided by soil fertility maps and lab analysis—not only ensures productivity but also promotes environmental sustainability.”

Technology Interventions Drive Productivity

According to Engr. Rodel D. Carlos, Science Research Specialist II, the field trial employed four protocols across the 8-hectare demonstration area:

Engr. Carlos reported that hybrid varieties under both DA and Farmers’ protocols recorded yields exceeding 11 metric tons per hectare, while inbred varieties under the Biofertilizer Protocol yielded 10.21 metric tons per hectare, exceeding the 8 MT/ha target.

Outstanding Varietal Performance

Top-performing rice varieties included:

• Hybrid (LP 2096 – Pro-Agri)
  • DA Protocol: 11.55 MT/ha (wet), 9.65 MT/ha (dry)
  • Farmers’ Protocol: 11.64 MT/ha (wet), 9.68 MT/ha (dry)
• Inbred (NSIC Rc222 – Consort, Crop King Chem. Inc)
  • Biofertilizer Protocol: 10.21 MT/ha (wet), 8.55 MT/ha (dry)

Economic Gains and Farmer Testimony

Under the Farmers’ Protocol using LP 2096 hybrid seeds, the highest economic return was achieved:

• Net Income: ₱117,314.33
• ROI: 205.53%
• Break-even Cost: ₱4.90/kg (wet basis)

Mr. Julius Cammayong, a participating farmer, shared his success:

“By applying BFPS, my yield increased significantly up to 11 MT/ha with hybrid and 8MT/ha with inbred rice. The technology truly works.”

His strategy included:

• 15 kg hybrid seeds/ha
• 6 packs DADOS N-BIO biofertilizer/ha
• 20 bags organic fertilizer (basal)
• 9L/ha carrageenan foliar spray (split across 15, 30, and 45 DAT)
• NPK based on soil analysis
• 20 packs/ha of Trichoderma harzianum for stubble treatment

Expert Insights and Local Support

Engr. Rolando D. Pedro of DA-CVRC encouraged farmers to shift their mindset from subsistence to agripreneurship: “Farmers must begin treating agriculture as a business. Embracing cost-effective and science-based technologies such as the use of both bio and synthetic fertilizers will not only increase yields but also improve profitability and sustainability.

Meanwhile, Engr. Roger Ocampo, Municipal Agriculturist of Quezon, expressed his appreciation: “We are grateful that our municipality was chosen as a pilot site. This initiative is a big opportunity for our farmers. I encourage everyone to apply the lessons learned from this project in their own farms for better yields and higher incomes.”

Path to Sustainable Agriculture

Mr. Josef Arikha Bañares, Senior Science Research Specialist, commended the participating farmers for embracing science-based practices: “By adopting Balanced Fertilization Strategy technologies, our farmers are not only increasing yields but also securing their livelihoods and contributing to the Masaganang Ani para sa Ikakaunlad ng Bawat Pilipino agenda.”

He also extended appreciation to private seed and fertilizer companies, LGU officials, and all participating stakeholders for their collaboration.

Field Day Highlights and Participation

The Field Day was actively attended by stakeholders from:

• Municipal LGUs of Quezon, Ilagan, Mallig, and Aurora
• DA-CVRC, DA-QES, DA-NVES, DA RFO 02
• Private agri-input providers
• Local farmers and cooperators

The event served as a platform to demonstrate the benefits of integrated rice farming technologies and to promote science-based decision-making in rice production.

Via: Catherine S. Jimenez
Contributors: Noel M. Cabab, SRT II, CVRC
Photos: Alexandria Nylianne Sosa