DA-6 hopeful on reaching rice production target

PHOTO COURTESY OF REMELYN RECOTER
PHOTO COURTESY OF REMELYN RECOTER

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) in Western Visayas is optimistic that the region will be able to attain the target that more than 300,000 hectares of rice areas will be planted by August.

DA-6 Regional Executive Director Remelyn Recoter said that distribution of seeds and fertilizers to various local government units is ongoing.

“While we pray for everyone’s safety against COVID-19, we likewise pray for good weather, to ensure the increase in food production especially our staple food,” she said, adding that the region’s planting for the wet season has been delayed due to late onset of the rainy season.

Recoter said that the department has allotted P1.06-billion assistance for farmers in Region 6 under the “Bayanihan We Heal as One Act.”

Three sub-projects of the Rice Resiliency Project (RRP) have been implemented in the region including the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), Expanded Inbred Rice Production and Expanded Hybrid Rice Production in Suitable Areas.

Around 210,000 farmers in the region are expected to be the beneficiaries of these three projects.

Meanwhile, Recoter said that they are expecting around 200,000 metric tons of additional production this year, from last year’s 2.077 million metric tons, if the weather cooperates.

She said that their expectation is 10 percent additional production for the wet season.

She added that the increased production would also contribute to greater regional share to the national output. (PIA6 Iloilo)

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