By Ben Moses Ebreo

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (PIA) – The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya has partnered with Japan-based Green Carbon Inc. (GCI) to introduce a water-saving technology to improve rice farming practices.

The collaboration will facilitate the implementation of the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) technology, a sustainable water management technique that reduces irrigation water use without compromising rice yield.

Maria Theresa M. Jaraza, project development manager of GCI,  said the pilot phase of the project will be rolled out in the towns of Solano, Villaverde, Bayombong, and Dupax del Norte.

“We have established demonstration sites in the province, involving 18 local farmers as well as the Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) in Bayombong,” Jaraza said.

According to Jaraza, Nueva Vizcaya was selected for the project due to the alignment between GCI’s goals and the provincial government’s agricultural vision.

She also said the initiative will not only help farmers boost their production but will also focus on skills development and capability building. 

“Additionally, it is expected to play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of climate change,” Jaraza said. 

Under the partnership, the provincial government is responsible for providing essential data, identifying suitable sites, and coordinating with local farmers, while GCI will cover the project costs.

Jaraza, along with GCI’s Corporate Operations Officer Takato Senoo, recently discussed the project implementation with Provincial Administrator Jovito Celestino and Provincial Planning and Development Officer Engineer Edgardo Sabado. (OTB/BME/PIA Nueva Vizcaya)

Published Date: February 14, 2025