Around 30 rice farmers from Barangay Mayao Parada, this city on Wednesday underwent a seminar to level up their farming techniques as part of the “PalaySikatan-Lakbay Palay” joint program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Philippine Rice Research Institute or PhilRice-Los Baños.

During the training conducted under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), the farmers learned what particular rice varieties adapt to their soils and how to use modern farm equipment and diagnostic tools such as the Minus-One Element Technique (MOET), which determines the nutrient status of the soil.

Lucena City OIC Agriculturist Jairalou Merano told the farmers she hopes this program would further encourage future farmers, especially the younger generation, to embrace farming to ensure food security in the city.

“We all should be open to advancement in farming techniques and equipment like transplanter and mechanized harvester to boost our production. The ideal rice varieties will also help us maximize the planting and harvesting season, ensuring food security, even only in rice,” Merano added.

Mayao Parada barangay chairperson Evelyn Ramos who was also present at the activity, said the knowledge imparted by the trainers from the DA national office shall be relayed to other farmers cooperatives in their community. (PNA)