Davao del norte: A total of PHP16.4 million worth of hybrid rice seed interventions were distributed to the municipalities of Kapalong and Sto. Tomas in Davao del Norte, the Department of Agriculture-Davao (DA-11) said Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, DA-11 Regional Director Macario Gonzaga announced that the distribution in the two towns began in April and is currently ongoing in other municipalities. The intervention aims to cover 3,364 hectares, ensuring 2,250 farmers gain access to high-yielding hybrid rice varieties to maximize output under challenging climate conditions.
Kapalong town received PHP6 million worth of hybrid seeds, covering 1,234 hectares and benefiting 830 farmers. Meanwhile, Sto. Tomas received a larger allocation of PHP10.4 million, supporting 1,420 farmers and 2,130 hectares of rice areas.
Through the agency's Rice Program, Gonzaga emphasized that the aid aims to boost farmers' productivity ahead of the wet cropping season. "Our goal is to ensure that no rice farmer is left behind. By scaling up the use of hybrid rice, we are enabling farmers to achieve higher yields and better returns, especially during the wet season," he stated.
The distribution continues in Davao del Norte, with Asuncion scheduled from May 5 to 7, B.E. Dujali from May 7 to 8, and Tagum on May 8.
