ASSESSMENT OF IRRIGATED LOWLAND RICE (Oryza sativa) PRODUCTION IN BANGA, SOUTH COTABATO

The study was conducted in Banga, South Cotabato from April to May 2022. The study aims to assess the irrigated lowland rice in Banga, South Cotabato. This study has 334 farmer respondents and identified using slovin formula. Data gathered was analyzed using descriptive statistics and ordinary least square analysis. Cost and return analysis is used to determine the profitability of rice.

Pests and diseases rated first among their production issues, followed by the high cost of inputs, unfavorable weather conditions, and a high cost of post-harvest facility. To improve productivity, the farmers used a variety of cultural management practices. Rice growers in the lowlands sell their produce to traders.

The study also found that the dependent variable which is revenue income and the independent variables are experience, training, and income which have a significant relationship. Experience and income which gave positive effect while training gave negative effect to the dependent variable. For experience, the higher years engaging in rice production the higher the productivity, while in income, the higher the income the higher the productivity. Also, training which have negative effect, which means that limited number of attended training can give negative effect to the yield and performance of the farmers. The owner farmers' net income is P34,927.35 while the tenants is P8,594.13. Hence their return on investment is 182.34% for owners and 25% for tenants. With these results, the researcher concludes that irrigated lowland rice farming in Banga, South Cotabato, is beneficial for the owners and tenants rice farmers, with a return on investment of 182.34% for owners and 25% for tenants.

It is recommended that farmers may consider to apply for Philippine crop insurance corporation loan and insurance programs, farmers may consider to use of alternative or biological and organic fertilizers, farmers are encourage to participate in any government program related to rice farming, government should intensify the IPM and rice production trainings and seminars and government may raise the production of biological and organic fertilizers.