Farmers in Buldon, Maguindanao still practice traditional farming

BULDON, Maguindanao – The traditional method of rice milling is still very much alive in a farming community here where organic farming is being pushed.

Farmers here, mostly belonging to Iranun tribe, have been producing “dinorado” brown rice variety using traditional method of harvesting and milling.

Despite the availability of modern rice milling machines, Iranun farmer Ali said the farmers here “are still doing it the traditional and effective way.”

The paddy is placed in a huge grout or plastic basin and pounded either by hands or with feet. After repeated pounding, the rice is sifted to separate the husks.

This practice is very much alive in Buldon, the erstwhile bailiwick of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Most farmers here now are members of MILF organized by a non-government organization on multi-diversity aimed at preserving the traditional and organic way of rice farming.

This farming method also strengthens family ties where household chores are no longer monopolized by mothers but the entire family members working together.

With this, the mother will have time to do other household works as well as attend community activities.

An MILF member now actively farming palay stressed that he is sharing the burden of doing household works because true man works what mothers do at home.