TACLOBAN CITY– Farmers in Leyte are getting positive gains from the Farming Support Services Program of the National Irrigation Administration Region 8 which produces the Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka (BBM) rice that sells at a very affordable price of P29 per kilo.
At least 11 irrigators association joined in a recent “Kadiwa ng Pangulo sa NIA” as their farmer-members beam with pride in being able to produce quality but affordable rice for the communities, especially for the vulnerable sector.
Danilo Ulbata, President of the Sanolmaco Irrigators’ Association in Javier town in Leyte, said NIA’s Farmers Support Services Program has provided farmers with the much-needed leverage in order to compete with the commercial rice market.
“The support package 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, he added, is the satisfaction that farmers are able to provide consumers with affordable but quality and locally-produced rice.
Under this program, farmers receive a P50,000 support package comprising hybrid seeds, fertilizers, and labor cost assistance. In return, they provide NIA with five metric tons of rice per harvest. If a farmer’s yield falls short, the incentives are adjusted proportionately.
Meanwhile, NIA-8 Regional Manager Jaime C. de Jesus, 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.
2,000 bags rice packed at 10 kg per bag and priced at P29 were sold during the recent Kadiwa ng Pangulos sa NIA 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 offered vegetables, corn, eggs, peanuts, sweet potatoes, and other processed products which were produce from the local irrigators’ associations.
(JASMINE KATE P. AGOSTO/ PIA LEYTE)
