More than 1,000 rice farmers in Negros Occidental will gather for the First Farmers Congress on Dec. 14 and 15 at the covered court of the Panaad Park in Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

The participants are under the Partnership in Agriculture and Rural Transformation, Ginintuang Masaganang Ani cluster areas for rice program, and the Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council.

The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist said the gathering seeks to update the farmers' knowledge on rice science and technology and enhance the farmers' understanding on the operation and services of the Pinoy Farmers Internet.

It also aims to boost the farmers' involvement in government programs and projects and improve the camaraderie of participant-partners in the province.

The participants will also plan their activities for 2007 during the assembly. Agencies taking part in the activities are the Philippine Rice Research Institute, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Training Institute, and the National Agro-Fishery Council.

Speakers in the plenary sessions are Samuel Omagtang, PART president of Cauayan, who will talk on the effects of CRH on rice; Mayor Jerry Tabujara, increasing productivity thru BIO-N; Regional Technical Director Larry Nacionales of the Department of Agriculture;

Director Roger Barroga of the Open Academy for Philippine Agriculture; agriculturist Marianita Latoza, on the San Carlos farmers' way; PhilRice consultant Leo Javier, challenges and potentials in the rice industry; and Dr. Cesar Mamaril, management practices to restore and maintain ecological balance. Gov. Joseph Marañon, Agriculture Regional Director Jindra Linda Demetrio, and Provincial Agriculturist Igmedio Tabianan will be the guest speakers during the opening program.*

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