To keep track and align targets and deliverables, as well as ensure the project’s smooth implementation, the DA-BAR conducted a virtual pre-completion review of seven rice R4D projects funded under the National Rice Program on 28-29 March 2023.
Serving as the evaluators for the review were Dr. Pompe C. Sta Cruz and Paul Joseph Ramirez of the University of the Philippines Los Baños.
Of the total, three projects were anchored on rice-based Spent Mushroom Substrate (SMS) technology which were implemented by the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management and DA-Bureau of Plant Industry.
SMS is a technology on the production of easy-to-adopt, low-cost rice-based SMS soil conditioner from Pleurotus sp. for rice and mushroom farmers. This technology can be used by farmers in producing good quality rice-based soil conditioner from SMS through addition of organic plant supplements readily available in the farm.
While the remaining four researches were geared towards scaling out of Rice Crop Manager (RCM) which were implemented by DA-Zamboanga Peninsula, West Visayas State University, Isabela State University, and Mindanao State University. Evaluators suggested to the RCM team to improve their interventions and further refine the RCM tool within the region.
The RCM is a decision tool which provides a more specific and detailed fertilizer recommendation for Zamboanga Peninsula. The project’s objective is to improve the nutrient recommendation of RCM.