Commemorating Heroism through Rice Paddy Art

The FutureRice Program, dubbed as the first Rice Agritourism site in the Philippines, brings to you a different rice experience in commemoration of our National Heroes Day this 2015.

 “Our team would like to give emphasis on the many innovative ways rice farmers can make their field more productive and creative at the same time. This rice paddy art is one example.” Roger F. Barroga, Program Leader of FutureRice said.

FutureRice Program is developing a 5-hectare land in Philippine Rice Research Institute Central Experiment Station in Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija. Its core goal is to prepare the farmers for future farming scenarios through its five (5) major components: (1) Knowledge Management, (2) Establishment of Smart Farms, (3) Rice Academy, (4) Farm Automation and (5) Clean Energy.

The FutureRice Program, in collaboration with the Genetic Resources Division and Technology Management Services Division combined the NSIC Rc222 and Purple Rice varieties using manual transplanting to project the image of Dr. Jose Rizal.

IT Specialist Nehemiah Caballong used Adobe Photoshop CS6 software to analyze the image. He used the strategy of magnifying the pixels as guide in placing the correct varieties of rice according to its corresponding grid. 

“We want to show especially the young generation that agriculture can be quite interesting and rewarding. It has always been our nation’s primary industry, one of the backbones of our economy. Working towards maximizing the potentials of our farmers takes a great deal of dedication. This same dedication is what Dr. Jose Rizal and our forefathers had - the very reason why we celebrate National Heroes’ Day every year”, Roger Barroga added.

Marian Anora, Farm Manager of FutureRice explained, “Aside from rice paddy art, we also showcase different smart farming practices and technologies developed by PhilRice, other partner agencies and even private individuals. It is our objective that when farmers visit the FutureRice farm, they will get a bunch of very practical knowledge that they can apply in their own farms.”

Among the technologies featured and used in FutureRice farm are nutrient diagnostic tools including Rice Crop Manager and the Minus One Element Technique (MOET) App; monitoring systems such as Field Water Monitoring and Control System (FWMCS) and Automated Field Monitoring Station (AFMS). It also uses different clean energy systems including the 1-kilowatt solar-powered water pump, bioethanol-powered water pump and biogas digester.

Visitors may contact PhilRice Visitors and Conference Services Office (VCSO) for tour schedules and reservations (044) 456-0258 local 526/527 or email prri.mail@philrice.gov.ph.

Writer: Jan Lois Zippora A. Libed
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