Iloilo: The Department of Agriculture in Western Visayas is targeting an average yield of 6.5 to 8 metric tons per hectare (MT/ha) from its Scalable Hybrid Rice Model Farm Establishment Project this wet season. The initiative spans 500 hectares across farm clusters in municipalities such as Culasi, Hamtic, Patnongon, San Jose, and Sibalom in Antique, and Ajuy, Concepcion, Igbaras, Pavia, and Zarraga in Iloilo.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DA regional agri-fishery information section (RAFIS) report highlighted that participating rice clusters were chosen with a minimum area of 100 hectares. The farmer-members involved are registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture, and each cluster has a baseline yield of at least four metric tons per hectare. DA Field Operations chief and Rice Program Focal Person Ryan Rasgo emphasized the use of georeferencing in these selections.
Each municipality has established a 50-hectare model farm cluster in fully irrigated rice areas with proper drainage. The farms are planted with one or two hybrid rice varieties registered with the National Seed Industry Council, specifically chosen for their adaptability to local conditions. This cluster-based approach aims to showcase rice production technologies on a scale sufficient to gather practical production data and motivate broader farmer adoption.
The project incorporates smart agriculture techniques such as soil testing, georeferencing, climate-smart maps, and climate-support machinery and equipment. These tools are intended to enhance farm decision-making and disaster risk management. Additionally, cooperators are trained to implement the PalayCheck System, Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy, laboratory-based soil analysis, and Integrated Pest Management.
Rasgo further explained that the DA will support farm clusters through the harvesting and post-harvest phases. Harvested palay from the model clusters will be dried using a Rice Processing System managed in collaboration with qualified farmer organizations. The dried palay can then be marketed to the National Food Authority or private buyers through pre-arranged agreements, offering farmers potential market outlets post-harvest.
The project aims to cover a total of 1,000 hectares for the 2026-2027 implementation period, extending to another 500 hectares during the dry season, with a target average yield of 8 to 10 MT/ha during this period.
