Quality rice production starts with quality seeds.

The use of high-quality seeds is what the Department of Agriculture, its bureaus and agencies see as a key factor for sufficiency, profitability, and competitiveness of rice production.

The DA – Philippine Rice Research Institute – Agusan distributed the 8,590 bags (20kg/bag) certified rice seeds for free to rice farmers in Butuan City in cooperation with the City Agriculture Office.

The distribution is headed by Dr. Genevieve A. Nemeño, DA-PhilRice RCEF Focal Person and Engr. Pierre Anthony Joven, Butuan City Agriculturist.

A total of 4,295 hectares of rice land in the city is expected to be planted with quality seeds.

Having a disability did not stop Jerry M. Libago, 47, from being present during the second batch of the seed’s distribution.

Four years ago, Jerry, had an accident while he is on the farm which affects his ability to walk.

According to him, he spent around ₱1,500 to buy 40 kg rice seeds for a hectare.

“The low buying price of palay, which is ₱15 – ₱16 and the high cost of farm inputs affected our income. But through the free certified seeds we availed, this is a big help for us, rice farmers,” he shared.

In time, for this cropping season, farmers like Jerry will breathe a sigh of relief as they receive free certified seeds under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) – a support mechanism for our rice farmers affected by Rice Tarrification Law.

In Caraga, twenty-seven cities and municipalities from the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur will receive a total of 79,818 bags of certified seeds.  The three provinces are among the top 57 provinces with high potential for improving competitiveness.

Rice farmers registered in Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) will be given the top five high performing varieties accepted in the region such as NSIC Rc 222, 216, 160, 18 and 286.

According to Dr. Nemeño same activity has been conducted in the three provinces which started in November until January 2020. (Rhea C. Abao, DA-Caraga RAFIS)