TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) - -The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 2 (DA RFO 02) through its Regional Rice Program and attached agencies convened on April 5 at the DA-Cagayan Valley Research Center, San Felipe, City of Ilagan, Isabela to craft the region’s action plan for the wet season.

According to DA RFO 02 OIC, Regional Executive Director Dr. Rosemary Aquino, convergence among partner agencies has always been proven to be effective and efficient in the implementation of programs and utilization of resources resulting in greater impacts on the farmers' yield and income.

Aquino said that the meeting aimed to update the previous action plan in preparation for the provision of necessary interventions during the rainy season.

Representatives from the National Irrigation Administration-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-MARIIS), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) Regional Office 02, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Isabela, Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC), and Local Government Units (LGUs) attended the meeting.

“As early as now, we must be ready for the worst possible situation that we may encounter. With our concrete plans and actions, I believe we can surpass these climatic conditions,” Engr. Monico Castro, DA RFO 02 field operations division chief, said.

Castro recognized the region’s commitment and good performance in strengthening the Philippine rice industry, Cagayan Valley is the second largest rice producer in the country with a national contribution of 15% or 302.96 sufficiency level.

“This is the result of our continuous efforts and partnerships. Let us continue giving our best for the welfare of our farmers,” he added.

Regional Rice Focal Person Dr. Marvin Luis also presented the MASAGANA Rice Industry Development Plan in Cagayan Valley as well as the region’s wet season action plan for this year.

“For wet season, we aim to target 312, 575 hectares with a production of 1, 442, 126.05 metric tons and an average yield of 4.61 metric tons per hectare across ecosytem or the average of irrigated and rainfed,” Luis said.

"We are also targeting and expecting farmers to have an average yield of 7.5 metric tons per hectare in irrigated areas during the wet season provided that they are practicing the appropriate technology like fertilizer application and water management," he added.

He also added that the department has projected about 86.65% seed intervention consisting of hybrid (55.80%) and inbred (30.84%) among the target production areas. (ALM/MDCT/With reports from DA)