MIMAROPA, January 23, 2024 – The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) MIMAROPA completed its delivery of livelihood inputs to four (4) farmers associations with 100 members from Occidental Mindoro and Romblon.

The project worth Php 2.8 million under Lowland Rice Production is part of the program’s support to the DA’s thrust in bolstering rice production in the country by assisting the farmers from pre- to -post production. 

The Samahan ng Magsasaka ng Ambil in Looc, Occidental Mindoro; and Gui-ob Farmers Association in Brgy. Gui-ob, Alcantara, Concepcion Sur Farmers and Fisherfolks Association in Brgy. Concepción Sur, Santa Maria, and Bunsoran Rainfed and Integrated Farmers Association in Brgy. Bunsoran, Ferrol from Romblon each received nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) and micronutrient liquid fertilizers, a hand tractor, a hermetic storage cocoon with a 5-metric ton capacity, and a pump and engine set (Table 1).

Said FAs were selected as beneficiaries of the rice project with the endorsement of the local government and they expressed their need for interventions that will help reduce their production cost. Also two of these FAs are situated in End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) areas in barangays Ambil, Looc and Concepcion Sur, Sta. Maria, which are among the areas prioritized by the Program. Table 1. List of SAAD-assisted associations under the Lowland Rice Production Project

The farmers expressed their appreciation for the advantages of the delivered resources and the support they have received from SAAD. Hiderlyn V. Verdera, Vice President of Samahan ng Magsasaka ng Ambil, shared the hope that the government will continuously provide assistance and enhance the lives of farmers like him.

With the machinery provided to them, their farm production costs lessen. Said provision empowered them to streamline cultivation processes, increase crop yields and reduce postharvest losses through enhancements in soil fertility, mechanization, effective grain storage, and efficient irrigation. 

“Ako po ay nagpapasalamat sa mga biyayang binigay ng gobyerno, sana po ay tuloy-tuloy pa ang pagpapaunlad ng buhay ng mga kapwa ko magsasaka. Marami pong salamat,” said Mr. Verdera.

(I am thankful for the blessings given by the government, I hope that the improvement in the lives of my fellow farmers continues. Thank you very much).

The farmers started harvesting in the second week of November and their produce is currently reserved for personal consumption. Once they achieve increased yield and accumulate a surplus supply of rice, they will start selling their produce within their community and nearby municipalities. ###

Writer: Melissa F. Lingco, DA-SAAD MIMAROPA Information Officer

Sources:
Engr. Maiden Marie M. Segui, DA-SAAD MIMAROPA Associate Project Officer II
Jhonzell G. Panganiban, Community Development Officer II
Jerzel N. Catubig, Community Development Officer II