DA to distribute 2-M bags of rice seeds

The Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Credit Policy Council has approved an additional P1-billion fund infusion for the recovery assistance program for rice farmers affected by declining palay prices due to Rice Tarrification Law. RELIEFWEB
The Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Credit Policy Council has approved an additional P1-billion fund infusion for the recovery assistance program for rice farmers affected by declining palay prices due to Rice Tarrification Law. RELIEFWEB

MANILA – The Department of Agriculture will distribute two million bags, each weighing 20 kilogram of rice seeds this year in an effort to help farmers who are affected by the Rice Tarrification Law.

Among the rice seed varieties for distribution include NSIC Rc 160, Rc 216, Rc 222, and two location-specific inbred varieties. 

In a statement on Thursday, DA secretary William Dar said among provinces considered for the program are those with high potential for competitiveness. 

“So far, we have identified 57 provinces based on the size of area harvested, yield level, cost of production, and share of irrigated area. These municipalities and cities must also have an annual area planted of more than 500 hectare for dry season 2019-2020,” he said. 

Farmer-beneficiaries are those listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).  

The beneficiary will receive seeds for two consecutive cropping seasons until December 2020, and is entitled to a maximum of four bags of inbred seeds depending on farm size for October to December planting season. 

Dar said that before the distribution, farmers will be provided with briefings on seed preparation and other interventions and technologies from the Philippine Rice Research Institute for them to achieve the target yield. 

“Farmers will also be given rice production manual and seed propagation booklet to help them achieve the yield potential of certified seeds,” he added. 

The DA has also reached out to local government units to confirm farmers listed in the RSBSA, identify drop-off points and potential storage facilities and the delivery schedule of the seeds.

The LGUs will also assist in seed delivery inspection and facilitate seed distribution. (PNA)

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