Laguna Mayor seeks IRRI collaboration 

Mayor William Sombilla of Rizal municipality in Laguna is seeking collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) for training local farmers in rice production technology, including post-harvest management. During his recent visit to IRRI, Mayor Sombilla (third from left) was impressed by the anaerobic seeder developed by IRRI’s Agricultural Engineering Unit for direct-seeding rice in wetlands. The seeder facilitates line seeding of pre-germinated rice seeds into the soil, allowing seeds to be sown at rates adjustable between 50 and 100 kg per hectare, according to IRRI lead research technician Ricardo Hernandez (extreme left).

“We are very much impressed,” the mayor said. “Unfortunately, for so many years, local farmers had no exposure to modern rice production technologies, especially regarding fertilizer use, what rice varieties to plant, and the importance of soil analysis.” Also pictured are officials who accompanied Mayor Sombilla: (from left) councilors Antonino Aurelio, Larry Zuñiga, and Martin Ortega, and Vice Mayor Nestor Mondugar. Other officials who accompanied the mayor but do not appear in the photo are councilors Josefina Endozo, Dennis Veriña, Ernedo Isles, Mario Sumague, and Walfredo Gesmundo.