CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela (PIA) - The Department of Agriculture Region 2 has recognized outstanding rice farmers in the region as part of the Farmers and Fisherfolk Month celebration this May.

At least 63 farmers who were able to produce 8-10 tons per hectare for inbred and hybrid rice varieties received recognitions.

DA Assistant Secretary U-Nichols Manalo lauded  DA region 2 for honoring and giving tribute to rice farmers in the region as it servea as an inspiration to other rice farmers to produce more palay for the country.

Manalo stressed the significant role of the farmers in achieving rice self-sufficiency agenda pf the government.

He also said the only national average yield is at four tons per cropping but Cagayan Valley farmers are able to surpass it.

“If all regions will do this, I believe that we will inspire more farmers to continue doing their best in producing accessible and affordable food to Filipinos,” Manalo said.

He said that the DA Rice program team is still strategizing to mitigate the effects and threats of El Niño and the coming of La Niña in the critical areas in the country.

Meanwhile, DA Regional Executive Director Rose Mary Aquino said the awarding of incentives to the exceptional rice achievers in the region aims to inspire other farmers to produce more rice using either inbred or hybrid rice seeds.

Aquino said the result of DA’s interventions on inbred and hybrid seeds production, through the implemention of mechanization, improved irrigation system have achieved the department’s target of producing enough supply of rice in the region.

She added that the partnership with the local government units  and other stakeholders in the region is a manifestation that the challenges will all be surpassed and the food security thrust of the government for Filipinos will be achieved. (MGE / PIA Isabela)