The traditional varieties of rice are not suited to chemical fertilizers, as the plants naturally grow to about 4 feet in height. Add fertilizer and they grown too tall and fall over. In addition, most people are too poor to buy added commercial inputs. In the tourist areas, farming is no longer the central economic activity for people and farmers have already switched from traditional varieties to modern or “improved” varieties. These varieties are faster growing and perhaps higher yielding than the traditional varieties. Chemical inputs are more likely to be used in these areas. The switch to modern varieties has altered the ecological balance in those areas. Farmers find it very hard to replant terraces to traditional varieties because of the changes caused by chemicals and pesticides.

According to the Department of Agriculture, the “average” farming family will grow enough rice for 5-6 months of their consumption. That begs the question of where do these very poor people get the needed money for their living, medical, schooling expenses? The answer is that they leave farming; someone in the family out-migrates in search a job away from the villages, perhaps in the tourist areas, in the cities, or even abroad. This has lead to the abandonment of the terraces and the deterioration of the indigenous culture. Those left behind are the ones who maintain the terraces.

The idea behind the Cordillera Heirloom Rice Project is to help farmers build a sustainable economic enterprise that is rooted in their culture of the people. Perhaps if farmers can make a decent living from farming, some will continue to farm. The project supports through its workshops on organic and sustainable agriculture techniques and through our Adopt-a-Terrace project, the expansion of agriculture and the rehabilitation of abandoned and destroyed terraces. The project is one of many efforts that is trying to address the situation in the terraces.
I am so glad to know that you have seen this beautiful area and walked in the terraces. It is a national treasure.

Salamat po,
Mary

Mabuhay Mark,
I suggest contacting PhilRice in Munoz, Nueva Ecija for information on heirloom varieties that are native to the area and climate of Pangasinan. The staff at PhilRice have been very helpful to us. You might also contact Masipig/Luzon (http://www.masipag.org/luzon.htm ) I know they had an organic red rice program a couple of years ago.

The heirloom varieties of rice that we are familiar with are highly adapted to the cooler climate and terrace soil of the Cordillera mountain region. Just trying to expand seed availability between nearby valleys has been difficult and the rice has not produced well. It has not transplanted well to the lowland type fields around Tabuk, Kalinga either.

Good luck in your efforts of finding a variety that will do well in your area!
Mary Hensley