LANAO DEL NORTE, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has distributed a significant quantity of Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter (CPGP) to assist rice farmers in Lanao del Norte, particularly those impacted by recent adverse weather conditions.
According to Philippines News Agency, DOST-10 provincial focal person, the initiative aims to support agricultural recovery following the shear line disturbances that struck the region in December 2023 and January of this year.
The distribution involved 1,360 liters of CPGP, a substance designed to enhance rice production through its various beneficial properties. Originating from red seaweed, this growth promoter is a product of extensive research by scientists at the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute. Empirical data from DOST indicates that CPGP can augment rice yields by up to 30% compared to conventional farming methods.
Beyond yield enhancement, CPGP is known for improving plants' nutrient absorption, bolstering their resistance to pests and diseases, and fortifying their resilience against common rice afflictions such as blight and the tungro virus. Additionally, it strengthens the root systems of rice plants, enabling them to better resist lodging during typhoon events.
The ongoing project targets the welfare of 925 rice farmers across various municipalities, including Kapatagan, Lala, Sapad, Salvador, Baroy, Tubod, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Maigo, and Tagoloan. Provincial board member Reinario Bihag, head of the Committee on Agriculture, expressed optimism regarding the CPGP's potential to replicate past successes and significantly enhance the region's agricultural output.