“Start with the end in mind.” This idea guided the Workshop on Innovation Package and Scaling Readiness (IPSR) for the cluster-based recommendations of Rice Crop Manager Advisory Service (RCMAS). The workshop was held on March 11, 2025, in Cagayan de Oro. As part of the session, participants agreed on an end goal: “By 2028, DA Region 10, along with ATI-RTC 10, local government units (LGUs), NIA, and other partners, aims to reach 80% of rice clusters and get 40% of rice farmers to adopt the cluster-based RCMAS recommendations. This initiative will improve farming practices, boost productivity, and support the sustainability of the rice industry.”
The cluster-based recommendation module for RCMAS helps rice farmers get science-based advice on using nutrients to boost their rice production and income. It allows RCMAS to create a single fertilizer recommendation for a group of farmers who have similar field conditions and farming practices, such as planting methods, rice varieties, and how they handle straw after harvesting. Each farmer in the group receives a one-page guideline for fertilizer management tailored to their field size.
During the IPSR workshop, participants defined the scaling ambition for deploying RCMAS with cluster-based recommendations. They then identified potential bottlenecks to achieving this goal, grouping them into enabler categories—key factors that support innovation scaling. In small groups, participants developed solutions to address these challenges. These solutions were evaluated using the Scaling Readiness Calculator, which assesses innovation readiness (maturity level) and innovation use (extent of adoption). The combined scaling readiness score helps determine which solutions need further validation or are ready for broader implementation. These solutions collectively form the innovation package for scaling RCMAS effectively.
Scaling Readiness of the whole innovation package provides a clearer picture of how the scaling strategy can be developed. For the cluster-based recommendation module of RCMAS, the aim is to increase both the innovation readiness and innovation use levels of the identified solutions to successfully scale the whole package and achieve the established scaling ambition.
“The Innovation Packages and Scaling Readiness (IPSR) tool plays a crucial role in assessing the readiness of agricultural and fisheries (AF) technologies before they are disseminated to farmers. By utilizing IPSR, the Agricultural Training Institute can identify key improvement areas and enhance ongoing innovations' effectiveness. This approach ensures that technologies are more adaptable and impactful at the farm level. We sincerely appreciate the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) for organizing this workshop, which empowers us with valuable insights and tools for evaluating technology readiness and scaling potential.” - Joeven Calasagsag, Supervising Agriculturist, ATI.
Twenty-nine (29) representatives from relevant stakeholders participated in the workshop to develop scaling ambition, identify potential bottlenecks, and package solutions to address these bottlenecks to scaling. Some key participants are from the Department of Agriculture central offices - National Rice Program (DA-NRP) and Agricultural Training Institute (ATI); ATI Regional Training Center 10 (RTC 10), DA-Regional Field Offices (DA-RFOs) from Regions 10, 4A, and 7, Farms and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA); Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, and Lanao del Norte; experts from Xavier University, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, and Central Mindanao University; and private sector stakeholders.
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