ARMM introduces app to increase rice production

COTABATO CITY --The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)has introduced a new application that will help increase the yield of rice farmers in the region.TheRice Crop Manager (RCM) app provides information that helps farmersadminister water management, nutrient, pest and weeds control depending on the seed variety and site specific conditions.The app is accessible through the internetusing a smartphone, computer and other mobile devices.On Wednesday, DAF-ARMM trainedmore than 200 local farm technicians, agri-technologists and extension officers on how to use the RCM app.They will be coaching rice farmers how to improve their yield with the help of the app. It will address problems on crop management practices through appropriate recommendations based on technical data provided by the RCM app, said ARMM Agriculture Secretary Makmod Mending Jr.The RCM guarantees an increase ofat least 1 ton per hectarein yield, according to Tong Abas, DAF-ARMM focal person on rice research and development.The technology was pilotedin the towns of Pagalungan, Sultan Mastura, Datu Paglas, Northern Kabuntalan in Maguindanao province, and Taraka in Lanao del Surfollowing its launch last month.Around 20,000 farmers in the ARMM are expected to benefit from the program.The RCM is part of the programs of ARMM to improve the lives of rice farmers by adopting new technologies for increased productivity and income.