EXTENSION DIRECTORATE – Eighty-two farmers availed the 2012 Rice Seed Dispersal Program (RSDP).

Forty-eight of these farmers came from barangays Cabaguan, Dolores, San Agustin, and Sungadan in Paoay, Ilocos Norte Others came from Estancia, Piddig (12), Bugayong, Nueva Era (18), and Batac City (4).

The RSDP is a banner extension program of the university which aims to improve the agricultural productivity and farm income of beneficiaries through the sustained supply and use of improved seed stocks. Specifically, it seeks to: introduce  new and recommended high quality seed stocks; continuously make available  high quality and recommended seed stocks which are normally costly and inadequately available in the local market; enable farmers to produce high quality seed stocks for their own use and for commercial purposes using MMSU dispersed stocks; and increase the intensity and frequency in the use of high quality seed stocks for planting purposes.

Cooperators attended on June 14 at the University Training Center a pre-dispersal training as requirement of the program. The program’s technical experts  discussed the following topics: rice production by Prof. Martina Tinguil; organic fertilizer production by Dr. Floramante Pastor; and values reorientation by Dr. Criselda Balisacan.

Ms. Myrna Balingit, OIC regional manager of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) discussed the rules and guidelines in applying for crop insurance.

Dr. Marivic Alimbuyuguen, director for extension, encouraged the farmers to follow the recommended technology and be prompt in paying their dues so that more farmers will be benefitted by the program. She also discussed choices for mode of payment.

Atty. Ramon Leaño, vice president for administration and business, graced the training.

Among the rice varieties dispersed were: NSIC Rc 146 (registered), NSIC Rc 122, PSB Rc 82, and PSB Rc 18. Educational printed materials were distributed after the training. A planting calendar was also given to the co-operators for them to properly record their activities.