DA-BAR, DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) turned over the Multi-Purpose (MP) seeder to farmers of Sta. Cruz, Zambales, through its local government unit (LGU), on 21 June 2022. 

DA-PhilRice, UPLB, and the International Rice Research Institute developed the MP seeder  to improve farm efficiency and crop productivity. 

Drawn by a two-wheeled hand tractor or “kuliglig”, the MP seeder could sow seeds in a hectare of rice, corn, and mungbean in four hours with only one operator. The utilization of the MP seeder also aims to  increase the income of farmers in rainfed areas with ease and comfort 

Based on the MP Seeder Operational  Guidebook, the MP seeder reduces total rice production cost by PhP 7,212 per hectare and increases net income by PhP 11,316/ha. It will lessen the cost of producing a kilo of palay  by 26%. 

As one of the eligible partner-recipients, LGU-Sta. Cruz received the MP seeder.  Penida Moselina Malabed, municipal agriculturist of Sta. Cruz, encouraged  the farmers to maximize the use of the MP seeder as the technology will help farmers reduce production cost.

Magdaleno Maneja, member of  Pamonoran Sahod Ulan Farmers Association shared, “Sa tulong ng MP seeder ang aking pananim ay maganda ang tubo, matuwid at madaling alagaan.” 

DA-BAR assistant director for Programs Joell H. Lales, who led the turnover ceremony, challenged the recipients  to replicate the technology in Visayas and Mindanao.

He also underscored the importance of strong partnerships in the implementation and success of  a project. 

“Dapat may LGU  at mayro’n ng identified  farmers/farmers association kasi doon namin nakikita na mas responsive ang research  pag mayro’n talagang partisipasyon kung saan ba ibibigay o beneficiary at sa dulo sino nga ba ang makikinabang,” he said. 

LGU-Zambales also received the MP Seeder Operational Guide Book for Rice, Corn, and Mungbean. Published by DA-PhilRice, IRRI, UPLB, and DA-BAR, the said publication aims to educate farmers, investors, and fabricators  on the proper operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the MP seeder. (### Julie Ann L. Dulay)