Performance Evaluation of Mechanized Transplanting using New Released Inbred Rice Varieties under Different Local Conditions in Cagayan

Abstract

This study was aimed to evaluate the performance of mechanized transplanting using new released inbred rice varieties under different local conditions in Cagayan. This was conducted in three different municipalities of Cagayan: Gonzaga with Type III climate, Claveria with Type I climate and Peñablanca with Type II climate for four cropping seasons (2018 WS to 2020 DS). The field experiment was conducted using the split-plot randomized complete block design. The study revealed that the use of mechanical transplanter significantly increased the yield performance of the different varieties in different local conditions. NSIC Rc416 obtained highest yield at Gonzaga (6.85 and 7.37 mt/ha), NSIC Rc402 (4.70 and 7.32 mt/ha) at Claveria and NSIC Rc400 and NSIC Rc402 (7.68 and 7.43 mt/ha) at Peñablanca for both wet and dry seasons, respectively. The use of younger seedlings during the transplanting preserved a potential for higher tillering and rooting which significantly contributed an additional yield increase of 22.44% during wet season and 20.65% during dry season. The average net income attained by mechanized transplanting was ₱72,384.80/ha with a return on investment of 135.23% compare to the conventional transplanting with only ₱48,368.65/ha net income and 87.76% return on investment (ROI). The cost for producing a kilogram of palay was reduced from ₱10.48/kg to ₱8.36/kg. This study proved that employing mechanized transplanting has the potential to bring an additional net income of up to 49.65% and a return on investment of 54.09.