In a bid to modernize rice farming practices, 25 farmers in Calasiao, Pangasinan participated in an Integrated Nutrient Management Training.

The training introduced innovative methods such as the Leaf Color Computing App, which helps assess the nitrogen status of rice crops.

With just a few simple inputs—like digital images of crops—the app generates nitrogen recommendations quickly.

"'Yung mga farm profile, 'yung sa name, name ng farm, area, tapos ‘yung planting day, yung variety. After, i-click nila ‘yun tapos punta sila sa search or scan leaf," Bryan Jay Sapiera, a farm trainer at Quinit Integrated Farm, said.

These tools aim to streamline the assessment process, reducing costs and saving time for farmers while improving their crop yields.

"Sa training na ito, nakatutulong sa mga magsasaka na ma-minimize ‘yung gastos, ‘yung time at saka nabibigyan kami ng sapat na kaalaman para mapabuti namin ‘yung pagtatanim at mahalagang maalagaan ang mga pananim," Demetrio Delos Reyes Castro, Jr., Acting President of Aliguas Dumalos Buenlag, said.

Farmers were taught the Minus-One Element Technique (MOeT), a method to determine soil nutrient deficiencies before planting.

This ensures that crops receive the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.

The initiative aims to incorporate digital tools into farming to enhance productivity and ensure sustainable agricultural practices.