As the world transitions into the 4th Industrial Revolution, the Department of Agriculture (DA), in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), is embracing digitalization to modernize agriculture.
The Rice Crop Manager Advisory Service (RCMAS), developed by the DA and IRRI, provides comprehensive rice crop management guidance. Despite its potential, the adoption of RCMAS has been low. To address this, the DA and IRRI enhanced the RCMAS and introduced the 4DFarms Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) tool to track the adoption of various interventions and aid in planning and decision-making.
To ensure a seamless rollout of the MEL tool, the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center XI (ATI-RTC XI) conducted a training on its use from June 17-21, 2024. The training equipped Agricultural Extension Workers, Local Farmer Technicians, and Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) Cooperators to serve as enumerators, providing reliable information and reporting for DA management.
The MEL tool is designed to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of various rice program interventions. It tracks activities during the cropping season through six modules: Planting Information, RCMAS Recommendation, Seed Intervention, Fertilizer Subsidy, Harvest, and Additional Farmer and Farm Lot Information. This data collection aids the DA in planning and decision-making processes.
During the training, participants learned to create user credentials, utilize sampling methodologies, access and download data for offline interviews, and manage data from cleaning to reporting.
In addition, they visited Brgy. Sinayawan, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur, and Brgy. Consolacion, Panabo City, Davao del Norte, where they interviewed around 90 rice farmers. This hands-on experience was integral to the training, providing real-world practice in using the MEL tool and ensuring more effective and efficient crop management practices.
The enhanced RCMAS, along with the use of MEL tool, is part of the DA's broader strategy to increase the reach and effectiveness of its agricultural programs. These efforts are crucial for advancing the digitalization of agriculture and improving the management and productivity of rice farming in the Philippines.
