PLACER, Surigao del Norte– The Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 13 (ATI-RTC 13) conducted the Rice Crop Manager (RCM) briefing in collaboration with the Municipal Agriculture Office of Placer, Surigao del Norte on February 20, 2024.

Fifty-three (53) rice farmers from the municipality were individually interviewed based on their farming practices. Each farmer received a printed RCM recommendation for rice production, which will guide the upcoming cropping season.

The Rice Crop Manager (RCM) is a digital tool developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) to assist rice farmers in optimizing their farming practices. It is designed to provide personalized recommendations to farmers based on real-time data and scientific algorithms, helping them make informed decisions to increase productivity and efficiency in rice cultivation.

This activity aims to equip the rice farmers with the knowledge and skills on the efficient use of RCM and enable them to register in Farmer and Farm lot Registration to generate and acquire RCM recommendations for their next cropping. Each RCM recommendation is customized to match the field size and needs of rice-growing conditions of an individual farmer. This information on managing their rice crop is disseminated every cropping season wherein the right timing, source, and fertilizer are suited to the needs of their field.

A total of 70 RCM recommendations were generated and 53 RCM ID cards were printed.

The Honorable Mayor Jovymarie C. Villazon graced the event and expressed her sincere gratitude to ATI for conducting the Rice Crop Manager briefing in her town. Staff from the Municipal Agriculture Office headed by Municipal Agriculturist Ms. Emerita P. Elajas, were also present during the activity.

The Information Services Section (ISS) spearheaded the training, with Fil Victor A Babanto, Information Officer III/ ISS, Chief, as Project Officer in coordination with the Municipal Agriculture Office of Placer, Surigao del Norte.