Socioeconomic and technological profile at Barangay Bacong, San Luis, Aurora [Philipines]: a village model site for irrigated lowland rice farming

• Published in: PhilRice Technical Bulletin (Philippines) Vol. 8; no. 1
• Main Authors: Casiwan, C.B, Redondo, G.O, San Gabriel, R, Tabien, R.E, Cruz, R.T, Manalili, R.G, Tabalno, R., Philippine Rice Research Inst., Maligaya, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija (Philippines). Central Experiment Station, Esmundo, L, Herminigildo, E., Municipal Agriculture Office, San Luis, Aurora (Philippines)
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.04.2004
• Subjects: AGRICULTEUR; AGRICULTORES; ARROZ; CONDUITE DE LA CULTURE; COSTO DEL TRABAJO; COUT DE MAIN D'OEUVRE; CROP MANAGEMENT; FARMERS; FARMING SYSTEMS; FILIPINAS; HOGARES; HOUSEHOLDS; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_16094; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_2805; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_2807; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_29985; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_3676; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_5783; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_6210; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_6599; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_7644; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_7645; LABOUR COSTS; MANEJO DEL CULTIVO; MENAGE; PHILIPPINES; PRODUCTIVIDAD; PRODUCTIVITE; PRODUCTIVITY; RICE; RIZ; SISTEMAS DE EXPLOTACION; SYSTEME D'EXPLOITATION AGRICOLE; TECHNOLOGIE; TECHNOLOGY; TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER; TECNOLOGIA; TRANSFERENCIA DE TECNOLOGIA; TRANSFERT DE TECHNOLOGIE

The village-level model was institutionalized at PhilRice as a strategy for technology adaptation and promotion of various research and development efforts. For the irrigated transplanted lowland rice program, Barangay Bacod in San Luis, Aurora Province, was selected as the first site. A baseline survey and participatory rural appraisal (PRA) were conducted by the program focusing on rice-based farm households and rice-based farming activities to profile the site, assess respondents' knowledge and practices in rice farming, and identify problems and propose solutions. Secondary data were also obtained from the LGU. Survey results show that majority of the farmers are long-time residents with an average of 20 years of rice farming experience, who are members of farmers organizations and with an average yearly income of P85,000. They do not own their farms. Problems identified include impurity and low germination of seeds, and limited availability of certified seeds, deep peat soil, lack of water supply and poor drainage in some areas, uncontrolled water depth during the rainy season, rat damage, weeds, difficulty in drying, and other problems. Based on the survey and PRA results, the study recommends the following: to improve on current practices of farmers, development, and adaption should focus on technologies that reduce labor cost in land preparation and other operation, improve productivity on peat soil, and efficiently manage weeds and rats. An analysis of biophysical conditions is also suggested to improve crop management practices and enhance productivity. Finally, it was noted that it is important that in developing and promoting technologies, researchers must build on current practices of farmers and use participatory technology demonstrations and approaches.