A RECENT Farmer’s Field Day event in Ballesteros, Cagayan province showcased the transformative power of efficient resource utilization and crop diversification in rice-based farming systems.
The event, organized by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 2 (DA-RFO2) on March 25, 2026, brought together farmers, agricultural experts, and government officials to demonstrate the benefits of integrated farming practices.
The project, titled “Scaling of Integrated Farming Systems in Rice-Based Areas in Ballesteros, Cagayan,” involved 55 farmer cooperators from Nararagan Valley Multi-Purpose Cooperative (NVMPC) and yielded remarkable results.
According to data presented during the event, rice monocropping generated a total income of P37,217 for wet season 2025. In contrast, rice cultivation combined with vegetables yielded P60,717, representing a significant increase of 83.7 percent on the return on investment (ROI).
The results were even more impressive for the dry season planting 2025-2026, where rice alone generated an income of P103,450. However, a diversified system incorporating rice, duck, vegetables, mushrooms, and aquaculture, among others, yielded a substantial P241,545, more than doubling the income from rice monocropping.
The findings underscore the potential of integrated farming systems to enhance farmers’ income, reduce risk, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
“The results only prove the power of science-based farming and the importance of efficient resource utilization,” said Joseff Arikha Bañares, leader of the DA-RFO2 Research Division.
The Farmer’s Field Day also featured a farm tour and technical discussions on crop management, nutrient application, and pest control, providing participants with hands-on experience and valuable insights into best practices.
Farmer cooperators, including Enrique Lazo and Warlita Acas, shared their experiences and reinforced the importance of knowledge sharing among participants.
The success of the project has sparked interest among farmers in the region, with many expressing interest in adopting integrated farming systems and planting munggo in their fields post-harvest to support crop diversification and improve soil health.
It was participated by officials from the Ballesteros municipal local government including Mayor Robert Ogalino and Municipal Agriculturist Mehlou Jean Roldan, as well as agricultural technicians from ProAgri Company and DA-Northern Cagayan Experiment Station staff led by Station Manager Vanessa Joy Calderon.
DA-RFO2 Executive Director Rose Mary Aquino said that the research for development (R4D) project demonstrated the potential of integrated farming systems to transform the agricultural landscape in Cagayan and beyond.
“As farmers continue to adopt these practices, the impact on rural livelihoods and the environment is expected to be significant, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector,” she said.