A farmer in Nueva Ecija has developed a rice-growing method that lowers fertilizer costs while nearly doubling harvests.
Danilo Bolos, head of the Crisol Bagong Pag-asa Irrigators Association, shared his approach during a harvest festival led by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. His method is the result of nearly 30 years of field testing.
On a 10-hectare demo farm, Bolos achieved about 10 metric tons of rice per hectare—almost twice the usual 5 to 6 tons. He also reduced fertilizer expenses by at least 25 percent.
His technique starts with using more seeds than usual—25 kilos per hectare instead of 15—to boost early growth. He then applies a mix of fertilizers at different stages, including ammonium sulfate and balanced nutrient blends.
A key part of the method is a homemade organic solution made from fermented fish waste and molasses, called fish amino acid. Applied multiple times during the season, it helps plants absorb nutrients better and reduces the need for pesticides and herbicides.
Bolos said his production cost is around P10 per kilo, lower than the typical P14 in Nueva Ecija. He was able to sell his harvest at P26 per kilo, increasing profits.
The method is already being used on about two-thirds of the group’s 150 hectares, with farmers reporting stable yields. Some farmers in other regions have also adopted it and seen improvements.
With rising fertilizer and fuel costs, Bolos’ approach offers farmers a way to earn more while spending less.
