In a groundbreaking event marking a significant public-private partnership, Egyptian Ambassador H.E. Ahmed Shehabeldin, LLM, together with Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) MIMAROPA Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos, the owner of Gabutero Organic Farm (GOF) Mr. Nelson B. Gabutero Sr., and Municipal Agriculturist of Bongabong Mr. Gary Louie A. Sapinit, led the Rice Field Day on February 28, 2024 at GOF, Labonan, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro.
The field day highlighted the potential of Egyptian rice varieties to enhance local agricultural practices and improve food security.
During the event, Mr. Gabutero showcased three Egyptian rice varieties: Orabi 3, Orabi 4, and Orabi 5. His presentation included detailed observations and performance data on these varieties, focusing on their productive potential and adaptability to local conditions.
The results revealed some compelling insights:
- Orabi 3 demonstrated impressive plant height, averaging 95.1 cm, indicating its suitability for the local environment.
- Orabi 4 excelled in the number of productive tillers, suggesting it could yield more rice per hectare compared to the other varieties.
- Orabi 5 showed potential but did not surpass Orabi 4 in either plant height or tiller productivity.
Among the varieties tested, Orabi 4 emerged as particularly noteworthy, with a higher number of filled grains per panicle and superior yield parameters. The economic viability of Orabi 4 was further supported by its favorable milling recovery rates, indicating a promising future for its cultivation in the region.
This research is part of a broader effort to integrate climate-smart technologies into local agriculture. The successful adaptation of Egyptian rice varieties could play a crucial role in enhancing food security, achieving rice self-sufficiency, and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, especially during periods of dry spells.
Mr. Gabutero emphasized the importance of continuing the research to fully understand the varieties' potential. He recommended extending the study across at least four cropping seasons, including both dry and wet seasons, to gather comprehensive data and ensure accurate results.
