Philippines: Rice farmers, extension agents get acquainted with online information tools at PhilRice technology fair

Extension workers farmers and students were introduced to an online source of information for rice farming at Lakbay Palay, a bi-annual field day that features the latest technologies in rice production. Audiences at the event received an overview of the Rice Knowledge Bank (RKB) and the Rice Doctor.

RKB showcases country-specific rice production techniques, agricultural technologies, and best farming practices based on International Rice Research Institute's (IRRI) research. The Rice Doctor is an online diagnostic tool for crop problems, management tips, and prevention tips. The Rice Doctor is also available as an offline mobile app.

Lakbay Palay is organized by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) for rice farmers and other stakeholders. It was held on 14-15 April at the PhilRice Central Experiment Station in Maligaya, Munoz, Nueva Ecija.

The RKB and the Rice Doctor were also presented to extension workers at a provincial training of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in San Pablo City, Laguna on 10 April and at PhilRice’s Mobile Rice Teknoklinik (technology clinic) at IRRI Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna on April 16.

The RKB and Rice Doctor presentations were conducted by Jerome Cayton Barradas, Maria Teresa Clabita, and Arnold Joseph Reyes in collaboration with the Improving Technology Promotion and Delivery (IPaD) Project. The IPaD project is a joint activity of IRRI, PhilRice, and ATI that aims to prepare rice extension professionals and intermediaries face the challenges of a more complex rice farming environment and develop their role as additional information sources for rice farmers.

You may visit the RKB at www.knowledgebank.irri.org and the Rice Doctor at ricedoctor.irri.org.


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