BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA

The farmers of Barangay Doliman in Infanta, Pangasinan, have long been accustomed to traditional farming methods.

Each farmer had their own strategies and investments.

However, their harvests were often not enough to generate higher income, just like in the case of Tatay Francis.

According to Francis Montamarzan, the Highest Yielder from Doliman Farmer Association, “Before, we just estimated and prepared our land by ourselves. We didn’t apply organic fertilizers or basal fertilizers, we just planted. We also neglected weed control.”

But the old ways have changed.

Under the leadership of Governor Ramon Guico III, the Corporate Farming Program was launched in Infanta.

Through this program, farmers received training and knowledge, introducing them to modern farming technologies.

Mortamarzan explained, “When we followed the new technology under corporate farming, we were thrilled because our harvests were excellent. Sometimes, we yielded 120, 130, or even 140 sacks of rice, with the highest reaching 150. But when we switched to hybrid seeds, I was surprised, we reached 238 sacks in just one planting.”

“Before, we harvested only 80 to 90 sacks. But with corporate farming, our yield reached 280 sacks of ‘Bigante’ rice. We learned a lot, such as the proper planting schedule and seedling preparation,” said Euducia Melo, ma ember of the Doliman Farmers Association.

With the help of hybrid seeds, the right fertilizers, and modern planting methods, farmers’ yields have significantly increased.

Behind this success, the program aims to further improve the livelihood of farmers in Pangasinan.

Governor Ramon V. Guico III expressed, “We are grateful to those who supported this initiative. The yield has improved, and production costs have decreased, making this program a success.”

Because of this program, not only has the harvest become bountiful, but the future of farmers has also become brighter.

That’s why farmers greatly appreciate the assistance provided by corporate farming.

Apart from the Farmers’ Field Lecture Demo, additional support is also given to them, including interest-free loans from the provincial government.

From small harvests, they now produce sacks of rice.

And because of this, not only do they benefit, but so does the entire province of Pangasinan.