AGUSAN DEL SUR – The Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII facilitated the Rice Crop Manager (RCM) briefing in partnership with the Municipal Agriculture Office of La Paz on February 2, 2022 and in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur on February 3, 2022.

There were a total of 136 rice farmers from the said municipalities who were individually interviewed based on their farming practices. Each farmer received a printed RCM fertilizer recommendation for rice production which will serve as a guide for this cropping season.

RCM is a web-based tool that provides rice farmers with a personalized crop and nutrient management recommendation for rice fields through a one-page printout and text messages to farmers' mobile phones. It aims to reduce production costs, increase yields, increase net income, and facilitate a professional extension service deploying appropriate information at correct times to farmers through Information Communication Technology (ICT).

Mr. Junie Rex C. Ambus, OIC-Municipal Agriculturist of La Paz, Agusan del Sur, welcomed the farmers and staff of ATI-RTC XIII during the opening program on February 2, 2022. He encouraged the farmers to follow the recommendations given to them because it will help them increase their production by spending less through the use of the right amount of fertilizer and applying it at the recommended age of the rice plant.