In the rice-growing municipality of Bucay, Abra, rice farming has long been challenging by limited access to quality inputs and farm resources. For many farmers, insufficient seedlings, fertilizers and agricultural machinery often meant lower yields and higher production costs, leaving little income to support their families.
For Arnold Pastor, a member of the SRI Project in Calao, these challenges were once a part of everyday life. Like many small scale farmers, he struggled with insufficient farm inputs, forcing him to spend much of his income on production costs instead of his family’s needs. Today, however, his harvest tells a different story, thanks to the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) System of Rice Intensification (SRI) program.
Recognizing the need to improve rice production, the Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the local government unit of Bucay, Abra, introduced the System of Rice Intensification to farmers in the community. Through the recommendation of the LGU, Arnold became one of the 25 farmer members selected to participate in the program.
DA has provided the participating farmers with quality seedlings, fertilizers, and technical guidance on the SRI production method. More importantly, the program equipped them with knowledge and skills that enabled them to maximize yields while reducing unnecessary production costs.
The impact of the intervention became evident after Arnold adopted the recommended practices. A 1,500 square meters portion of his rice field, which previously produced only 15 to 20 sacks of palay, now yields around 25 to 27 sacks. Each sack weighs approximately 35 to 40 kilograms, representing a significant increase in production from the same area of land.
According to Arnold, the increase in harvest has translated into higher income while lowering production expenses. The additional yield has allowed him to better provide for his family’s needs and has given him greater confidence in continuing rice farming.
Like any new technology, adopting the System of Rice Intensification required dedication and hard work. Farmers had to prepare carbonized rice hull, carefully raise healthy seedlings, and water them every morning and afternoon before transplanting. Although the process was more labor intensive than conventional methods, Arnold believes the improved harvest made every effort worthwhile.
One practice that Arnold strongly encourages fellow farmers to adopt is synchronized planting, where farmers prepare their fields and plant at the same time. According to him, this demonstrates unity and cooperation among members while helping reduce insect infestations because pests have fewer opportunities to transfer from older rice fields to newly planted ones. When crops grow at the same stage, pest populations are disrupted, reducing their breeding cycle and limiting the spread of insect damage across neighboring farms.
Beyond increasing productivity, the SRI program has strengthened collaboration among the farmers involved in the project by encouraging them to work together in implementing improved farming practices. This collective approach has contributed to healthier crops, more efficient farm management, and stronger farming communities.
Arnold encourages fellow farmers, especially those who have not yet tried the System of Rice Intensification, to give the technology a chance. Having experienced its benefits firsthand, he believes the program can help more rice farmers increase their harvests, lower their production costs, and secure a better future for their families.
For Arnold, DA’s support extended beyond providing farm inputs. Through the SRI program, the agency empowered farmers with practical knowledge, modern production techniques, and confidence to improve their livelihoods. The intervention has enabled farmers like him to produce more rice while spending less on production, making farming a more sustainable source of income.//AlyssaDawnAlalag
DA-CAR Press Release No. 26-109