Double-cropping MV-TV in the Cagayan Valley

IRRI anthropologist Steve Morin discussed double cropping during the workshop. Genetic Resources Center (GRC) consultant Marlon Calibo presented the research highlights and recommendations of the combined IRRI-PhilRice biodiversity team on double cropping of MV-TV as an option allowing farmers to maintain and properly manage rice biodiversity. Assistant scientist Renato Reaño explained how good rice seed is grown. Training Center consultant Rheena Bakker-Dhaliwal, with the assistance of Social Sciences Division (SSD) researcher Aida Papag, tested local extension workers' ability to use, and gather information on rice production through the IRRI-developed CD-ROM databases "TropRice" and "Integrated Pest Management." Anthropologist Melina Magsumbol helped facilitate the farmers' focus group discussions. The other facilitators were Marlon Calibo, Renato Reaño, Isabela-based PhilRice senior research specialist Yolanda Sosa, and science research analyst Diadem B. Gonzales. The IRRI team also conducted a quick survey of the conditions prevailing in different villages that may hinder or pave the way for the adoption of the proposed double-cropping pattern, also taking into consideration people's beliefs and traditional knowledge about planting Wagwag and modern rice varieties. Ms. Sosa compared the performance of improved Wagwag lines, IR64, and hybrid rice with traditional Wagwag, while Ms. Gonzales presented a narrative report on selection criteria and farmers' acceptance of MV-TV. Their reports were based on a separate collaborative trial conducted by the SSD anthropology group and PhilRice in selected Cagayan Valley barangays during the 2000 wet season. As an added feature of the workshop, Rudy C. Salazar of the Pampanga-based Fil-Thai Food Group, Inc., talked about marketing indigenous rice varieties. At the end of the workshop, IRRI distributed to participants traditional rice seeds for propagation and 10 plastic containers for storing seed.

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