MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – To introduce and promote Malusog Rice production in Bukidnon province, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado through its Research Division, and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) recently held a Farmers’ Forum at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), in this city.
In the forum, prospective farmer-cooperators were acquainted with Malusog Rice in terms of production and marketing potentials, considering Bukidnon’s climate and market opportunities as a new rice variety for the Filipino palate.
In his message to Bukidnon rice farmers, Dr. Gerardo Estoy, Jr., DA-PhilRice Agusan branch director, underscored the viability of Malusog Rice farming as the production of which is highly identical to commonly known rice varieties.
Formerly known as Golden Rice, the Malusog Rice is beta carotene-enriched rice variety developed by the PhilRice mainly to address malnutrition. Malusog Rice is specifically beneficial to those at risk of Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) such as pre-school children and pregnant and lactating mothers.
Together with DA-NorMin, PhilRice is intensifying its promotion of the Malusog Rice in Northern Mindanao, particularly in Lanao del Norte where a high prevalence of VAD was recorded.
For his part, NMACLRC chief Carmelito R. Lapoot, emphasized the market potential of Malusog Rice as the preferred healthy staple for the locals.
He urged rice seed producers and commercial rice growers in Bukidnon to venture into Malusog Rice production not just as a viable livelihood, but more so as a way of helping the community in producing healthy food options.
In support of the Malusog Rice Program, DA-NorMin Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said that the agency has established two demonstration farms in its research stations in Bukidnon, one in NMACLRC and another at the Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in Dangcagan, Bukidnon.
Located in Southern and Northern Bukidnon which differ in elevation and rainfall patterns, the demonstration farms will showcase climatic suitability for expansive Malusog Rice production in the province.
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