Socio-economic profile of rice farmers and characterization of farms in Pavia, Iloilo

Abstract

The study was conducted in the Municipality of Pavia, Iloilo to describe the socio-economic profile of farmers; determine existing technology or farming practices in irrigated and rainfed farms; ascertain cost and returns, and identify problems and constraints in rice production in the area. A survey was used as a tool in collecting pertinent data and information from farmer respondents.

The findings show that majority of rice farmers in irrigated and rainfed farms are male in their fifties, married and most are elementary graduates.

More than half of the respondents, 66 percent with irrigated farms and 55 percent with rainfed farms plant rice in an area of 1.0 to 2.0 hectares with an average of 1.6 and 1.3 hectares, respectively. Most of the farmers in the area, preferred PSB Rc 14, PSB Rc 80 and IR 64 varieties of rice and good seeds as planting materials. Apparently, farmers control pests in rice using chemical method 75 percent in irrigated and 92 percent in rainfed farms.

The average yield or production per hectare of farmers in irrigated farms was 88 cav/ha. On the contrary, lower yields was noted in rainfed farms at 53 cav/ha. Consequently, average net income or profit with irrigated farms was P14,283 and P5,738.90 in rainfed farms.

Lack of capital, the incidence of pests, inadequate supply of water, sources of quality seeds or planting materials, high cost of inputs and low price of palay during harvest were the most common problems and constraints faced by rice farmers in the area.