TABUK CITY, KALINGA – The Regional Training Center of the Agricultural Training in the Cordillera Administrative Region (ATI-RTC-CAR), in partnership with the DA’s Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), continues to intensify its information campaign through the conduct of a Technical Briefing on the Golden Rice and Balanced Fertilization Strategy. Two more batches were conducted on July 18 and 20, 2023 at Conner, Apayao with 23 participants and Tabuk City, Kalinga with 22 participants, respectively.
The Malusog Rice is developed through genetic engineering by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute in partnership with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to contain additional levels of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Also, Malusog Rice can provide up to 50 percent of the estimated average requirement (EAR) for vitamin A of young children, the age group most susceptible to VAD in the Philippines. The Malusog rice has undergone careful study by experts in science and has passed the tests conducted by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand, Health Canada, and the United States Food and Drug Administration.
The beta carotene in Malusog Rice, which was made possible by the addition of two new enzymes, is identical to the beta-carotene found in green leafy and yellow-colored vegetables, orange-colored fruit, and even in many vitamin supplements and food ingredients. Like ordinary rice, the Malusog Rice does not require any special cultivation practices, and generally has the same yield and agronomic performance.
On balanced fertilization strategy, Mr. Edwin Dicksen, Agriculturist II of the Regional Training Center of the Agricultural Training Institute in the Cordillera Administrative Region said that due to the increase in fertilizer prices, the Department of Agriculture launched the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) Program. BFS recommends the use of combined organic and inorganic inputs and other forms of strategy to attain the maximum potential of farmlands while promoting balanced fertilization in maintaining soil fertility. The said strategy applies the concept of the 4Rs in fertilization: Right Source, Right Placement, Right Amount, and Right Rate to help enhance soil health and productivity, prevent the decline in soil fertility, and improve fertilizer availability and costs. As an organic agriculture advocate, much of his discussions focused on organic fertilizers. He said that inorganic fertilizers are the primary source of nutrients for plant growth while organic fertilizer improves soil properties (biological, physical and chemical). He said one source of organic fertilizers is broad leaves because these are high in nitrogen content. The general procedure is to chop and soak the broad leaves in cold water for 12-24 hrs. Simmer for 5-10 minutes. Blender the materials and pound. The dosage is 1 part is to 3-5 parts water and spray. Plant Juice can also be a good source of Nitrogen and Fermented Fruit Juice as good source of Potassium.
Two more batches are ready for implementation this August 15, 2023 and October 26, 2023.
