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Performance of RFYCS compared with rice-based cropping systems
In 1989-90, the study farmers planted 4 rice-based cropping patterns (i.e., RWCS,
rice - rice, rice - fallow, and fallow - rice). However, in 1990-91, the only cropping
patterns used were rice - rice and fallow - rice. The change in cropping pattern was a
result of the restoration of the irrigation system during the later part of the second
crop.
The adopters planted a larger area to rice-based cropping systems than the
nonadopters. In 1990-91, adopters planted the rice - rice cropping pattern on an
average of 2 ha; the nonadopters allocated 1 ha. However, in 1989-90, nonadopters
planted a larger area to the rice - rice cropping pattern than the adopters (Table 7).
On average, adopters obtained higher yields of rice and higher net returns than
nonadopters. The nonadopters had higher input costs primarily because they had to
pay rent for the land.
The costs (up to P3 1,353/ha) associated with waternlelon were purchased
labor and material inputs. Contract labor wages varied depending on the net returns
from the production of watermelon. The labor-contractor was paid 50% of net
returns.
In 1990-91, only two farmers practiced the fallow - rice cropping system in
Laot. They gained a return above variable cost (RAVC) of P22,333.
Contribution of R\VCS to household income and expenditures
The adopters appeared to have more diverse sources of income. They posted a
higher income from both farm and nonfarm sources. Farm income was derived
mainly from the sales of rice, watermelon, coconut, and livestock. It contributed
about 37-88% to the household income of adopters and 3549% for nonadopters in
1990. The cultivation of watermelon contributed at least 21% to the household
income of adopters and rice sales contributed a maximum of 37% (Table 8).
Nonadopters apparently depended on the sale of rice, coconut, livestocl