AgSur farmers thankful after receiving aid from DA’s RRP By Jennifer P. Gaitano
The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga, in partnership with the local government units in the province of Agusan del Sur has started the delivery and distribution of the subsidized inbred certified seeds in the region. This intervention is part of the agency’s “Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat Kontra COVID-19,” or the Plant, Plant, Plant Program under the Rice Resiliency Project (RRP). Of the total P8.5-billion national funds for the RRP, P207 million was allocated for Caraga region. Around 60,000 local rice farmers in the region will benefit from this intervention provided by the government. Three subprojects under RRP are also implemented which include the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, the Expanded Inbred Rice Production, and the Expanded Hybrid Rice Production. Zenaida Quimno from Barangay Poblacion in the municipality of Rosario, Agusan del Sur was one of the farmer-beneficiaries who actively make use of the inbred
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| July 18-24, 2020
certified seeds and fertilizers from DA. “DA has greatly helped us make our work easier and we are able to produce more and earn more,” cited Quimno. The said project targets to increase local rice production through the use of high-quality seeds and sufficient fertilization based on recommendations. Aside from the free rice seeds, farmers are also given two bags of fertilizers. To avail of free inputs, farmers must be listed in the Registry System For Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA). The government continues to provide such assistance to the farmer sector to help them cope with their daily needs especially during this time of the pandemic. (JPG/PIACaraga)
