DA-7 launches hybrid rice 'derby' in Bohol

BATUAN, Bohol – The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Central Visayas launched the “Regional Hybrid Rice Derby” in Batuan town in Bohol Province on November 18 with the aim of boosting rice production in Central Visayas.

DA-7 regional executive director Atty. Salvador Diputado opened the ‘derby’ event with the cutting of ribbons and the actual planting of rice in the paddy with him leading the planting with the local officials.

Diputado said that this is another rice derby conducted in Bohol and this time in Batuan for farmers to see and experience the goodness of planting hybrid rice.

"Farmer-cooperator who will have a high yield during the field day in February next year will receive a prize and the winning seed company will be awarded with a seed procurement," Diputado added.

The six seed companies that joined the rice derby will showcase their best hybrid rice varieties with their respective cultural practices and other technologies to enhance rice productivity.

Participating seed companies in the rice derby were Bayer, SL Agritech Corp., Seed Works, Longping, Hatao, and Leads Agri.

Meanwhile, DA-7 introduced the 11 rice-based clusters for the various rice interventions/inputs such as seeds, fertilizer, machinery, irrigation projects, and training.

Hybrid Rice Cluster for District 1 called as Catigbian Cluster is composed of Catigbian, Balilihan , Sikatuna , Corella , Cortes , Alburburque , Baclayon, Maribojoc, Antequera , Loon , Calape , and Tubigon.

District 2 is composed of two clusters, Talibon Cluster and Ubay Cluster. Ubay Cluster includes Ubay, Carlos P. Garcia, San Miguel, Dagohoy, Trinidad and Bien Unido; while Talibon Cluster has Danao, Getafe, Buenavista, Inabanga, Clarin, Sagbayan, and San Isidro. 

District 3 has three clusters, the Carmen Cluster which has Carmen, Batuan, Bilar, Loboc, Loay, and Sevilla; Jagna Cluster with Lila, Dimiao, Valencia, Garcia Hernandez, Duero, and Siera Bullones; and the Mabini Cluster composed of Pilar, Alicia, Candijay, Guindulman, and Anda.

Cecile Opada, DA7 rice focal person explained that each cluster has been positioned to receive next year hybrid rice seeds good for 50 hectares and fertilizer from DA to maximize production.

Diputado said that the local officials led by Batuan Mayor Antonino Jumawid and rice farmers of Bohol expressed their gratitude to Secretary William Dar for the assistance they received.

Hybrid rice is a product of a cross between two genetically instinct rice parents. When the right parents are selected, the hybrid will have both greater vigor and yield than either of the parents, Diputado said.

One of the rice farmers Benjamin Alcala of Poblacion Norte, Batuan expressed his utmost gratitude to DA-7 and the seed company for choosing him as the cooperator of the derby.  Farmer-cooperator of the derby receives fertilizers and maintenance essentials from the seed company.  

Alcala said that they will do their best and pray for a huge harvest, when asked about his expectations on the outcome of the rice derby. (Photos: DA-7)