TACLOBAN CITY (PIA) — Farmers in Leyte are benefitting from the Farming Support Services Program of the National Irrigation Administration Region 8 (NIA-8), which produces the Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka (BBM) rice sold at a very affordable price.
At least 11 irrigators association joined the recent “Kadiwa ng Pangulo sa NIA” as their farmer-members beam with pride for being able to produce quality but affordable rice for the local communities, especially for the vulnerable sectors.
Some 2,000 bags of rice (10kg per bag) were sold at P29 per kilo which prioritized vulnerable groups such as the senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and those under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
The Kadiwa ng Pangulo sa NIA also offers various agricultural products directly from the irrigators’ associations sold at cheaper prices.
Danilo Ulbata, president of the Sanolmaco Irrigators’ Association in Javier, Leyte, said NIA’s support services program has provided farmers with the much-needed leverage in order to compete with the commercial rice market.
“The support package for our farmers we receive from NIA is a big help and incredibly beneficial in reducing the average cost from production to harvest,” Ulbata said.
“More than that is the satisfaction that farmers are able to provide consumers with affordable but quality and locally-produced rice,” he added.
Under the Farming Support Services Program, farmers receive a P50,000 support package comprising hybrid seeds, fertilizers, and labor cost assistance. In return, they provide NIA with 5 metric tons of rice per harvest. If a farmer’s yield falls short, the incentives are adjusted proportionately.
According to NIA-8 Regional Manager Jaime C. De Jesus, the contract farming support services program is steadily getting its goal for food security and sustainable resource management.
“This program will continue to assist our farmers in the value chain process while providing our consumers with access to affordable rice,” De Jesus said. (JKPA/PIA Leyte)
