EXACTLY 138 farmers from 10 municipalities in Ilocos Norte tilling a combined 63.5-hectare area were chosen this year as beneficiaries of the university’s Rice Seedstock Dispersal Program (RSDP).

The number of recipients increased to about 90 percent compared to last year’s 78 farmers cultivating a composite 36.25-hectare land. The university endeavored to extend assistance to more farmers as a result of growing requests.

The extension program of the university aims to improve agricultural productivity and income of stakeholders through a sustainable supply of improved seed stocks. The beneficiaries can avail of interest-free farm inputs which include quality rice seeds, organic and inorganic fertilizers, and seed inoculants which can be used for a maximum of 0.5 hectares.

These farm inputs are dole-outs but beneficiaries should follow provisions in their contract with MMSU. Aside from the farm inputs, technical assistance is also extended to the recipients.

As one important requirement before farmers can avail of the project, a pre-dispersal training was conducted May 29 at the University Training Center where the following were discussed: 1) recommended rice production technologies; 2) importance of farm record keeping; 3) project implementation guidelines; and 4) importance of insuring crops to the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation. Non-attendance to the training forfeits the farmers’ chance of becoming a cooperator.

According to the farmers, the RSDP is a great help especially to those who have limited financial capability. “Immadu ti apitko idi nagusarak iti organiko nga abuno ken ti panangyaplayko kadagiti nasursurok iti panagsanay. Sapay la koma ta dikayo maum-uma a mangtultulong kadakami (My harvest increased when I applied organic fertilizer on my crops and the things I learned from the training. We hope that you will not get tired of helping us),” a cooperator from Nueva Era said.