Science City of Muñoz, The Philippines
July 20, 2015
PhilRice experts advise farmers to practice synchronized community planting, and to mechanize the harvesting and drying processes to cope with the rainy season.
“Under rainfed conditions, our farmers need to practice synchronized planting in their communities. Dry land preparation is desired, as when the rain comes, they can do direct-seeding. With this technique, the seeds will start to germinate within five days,” said Dr. Norvie L. Manigbas, PhilRice’s head of the Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Division.
Synchronized planting reduces incidence of pests and diseases in a specific area, thus minimizing yield loss.
He also explained that under irrigated lowland conditions, land preparation should be done at the onset of heavy rains so that fields are well-soaked in water. Levees and dikes should be repaired to avoid water loss.
Farmers can use the wet bed or dapog method for seed establishment depending on field conditions.
PhilRice also suggests proper drainage to avoid flooding, use of machines during land preparation, harvesting, threshing, and drying to save time and labor.
“Time is vital during the wet season especially during harvest. As the rain usually comes in the afternoon, we suggest the use of combine harvester to hasten harvesting operations. If it is unavailable, farmers can use reaper and collect the straws for threshing,” Manigbas explained.
“It is important to finish these field operations in the shortest possible time to prevent yield loss,” he added.
PhilRice recommends drying of palay in flatbed dryers and on nylon nets or canvas for easier turnover when the rain comes.
“The general rule is to harvest and thresh the crop within a short period of time and dry the seeds to a desired moisture content (usually 14%),” Manigbas concluded.
For more rice farming strategies, please contact the PhilRice Text Center at 09209111398.
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