A group of researchers from the Bulacan Agricultural State College, in collaboration with other research and funding institutions, initiated the aerobic-rice research and development project in the province of Bulacan.

The researchers sought to address the concern that farmers will have to grow more rice with less water in the future, hence the need to develop and promote aerobic-rice technology in rain-fed areas where water supply is limited.

The project aims to refine farmers’ management practices in rain-fed areas through a participatory approach to enhance their capabilities, particularly on aerobic-rice system, and to establish pilot demonstration farms in said areas.

Yields of about 70 percent to 80 percent that of the high-input flooded rice is expected to be achieved with the new concept, which uses nutrient-responsive cultivars adapted to aerobic soils. The technology combines growing of drought-resistant rice varieties in nonflooded and nonpuddled soil, employing appropriate cultural management practices.

Bulacan farmers attested that aerobic rice system proves more advantageous compared with the conventional rice farming method as it requires low inputs and less labor, produces competitive yield and provides higher income. Aerobic rice is also highly resistant to pests and diseases, and is weed-competitive.

The project, “Aerobic rice technology in rain-fed areas of Bulacan,” the official entry of the Central Luzon Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium in this years’ National Symposium on Agriculture and Resources Research and Development (NSARRD), is one of the finalists for the best paper (research category).

Initiated by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development, the NSARRD, seeks to recognize the significant contributions of institutions and individuals in uplifting the status of agricultural research and development in the country. (DOST S&T Media Service)