Farmers must possess knowledge not only in effective and accurate seed breeding practices but also in compliance with relevant regulations. Hence, on November 8, 2023, PT Agincourt Resources (PTAR) organized the Certified Rice Seed Breeding Field School in the villages of Garoga and Hutagodang, located in the Batangtoru Subdistrict. The training, attended by 34 farmers, was made possible through the collaboration with the South Tapanuli Department of Agriculture, the Batangtoru Agricultural Extension Center (BPP), and the Field Agricultural Extension Officers (PPL) in the Batangtoru Subdistrict.
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Edi Parlis Harahap, the recipient of the 2015 National Farmers-Fishermen Contact Farmer Group (KTNA) Outstanding Farmer award, served as the speaker at the training. He provided valuable insights into seed labelling suitable for breeders, site selection, seeding techniques, planting systems, water management, fertilization, pest and disease control, rouging (identifying and eliminating deviant plants), and harvesting methods. The goal is that, following this training, participants will be proficient in implementing the rice seed breeding cultivation system in accordance with established stages. They should be capable of addressing challenges encountered during the process, preventing pest attacks on seeds during seeding or after transplantation to the planting area, and understanding the necessary steps to take when rice is affected by disease.
