Outscaling of Rice-Based Farming System (Rice + Duck) in Claveria, Cagayan

Abstract

The threat of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of climate change necessitate outscaling relevant matured technology like a rice-duck farming system that would directly complement and sustain the Department of Agriculture’s initiatives in food security. Hence, a study was conducted at the Municipality of Claveria, in Barangay Union and Mabnang. Two demonstration plots of rice+ducks with a total area of 1,000 m2 were established in both barangays. Ducks controlled weeds and golden apple snails at the same time improved the structure of the soil. From the targeted 100 farmers capacitated, the project exceeded by 35% due to the interest of the community to participate in the riceduck technology. The project launched three Cagayan Valley Duck Delights recipes which opened as business opportunities to farmers and
were transferred to Union and Mabnang Duck Raisers Association and two restaurants from Abulug and Claveria, Cagayan. The result of the project signifies the efficiency of integrating ducks in the irrigated rice ecosystem which is comparable to the yield of rice alone. The study built community awareness that Muscovy ducks are beneficial in rice farming and, likewise, created business opportunities; hence, the project was expanded to four barangays in Claveria, Cagayan with the full support of the Mayor in LGU-Claveria to adopt the introduced technology.