Biyaheng Bukid resumes DISCOVERING ‘KEPT SECRETS’ IN SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ

By Manny Piñol

Muñoz, Nueva Ecija is considered as the agricultural science city of the country because it is where most of the leading research groups are based.

Yesterday, as I resumed the nation-wide journey called “Biyaheng Bukid” I travelled to Muñoz and I discovered so many innovations which would have contributed to the attainment of increased food productivity had these been brought down to the farm level.

I discovered advanced technologies in rice farming initiated by Philrice which enabled Nueva Ecija farmers to produce over 5 tons per hectare per harvest season.

In the Philrice and Philippine Mechanization (Philmech) compounds, I saw locally designed and fabricated farm machineries which could help the farmers produce more.

Also in Philrice, I was shown mushroom-growing using rice straws which then could be converted to organic fertiliser or even animal feeds afterwards.

In PhilMech, I saw a locally designed onion-seeder which when used could increase the production of the farmers.

In the Philippine Carabao Centre (PCC), I heard stories of farmers whose lives have improved because of the dairy program implemented in their areas.

There are so many things that need to be shared with the farmers.

This is why I have to continue the Biyaheng Bukid because this allows me to take a close look at the problems confronting the farmers and the fisherfolk.

Most of these problems only need practical solutions.

Change is coming.

(Photos of the visit in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija yesterday taken by John Pagaduan.)