Pili, Camarines Sur (13 January) -- Despite the adverse effects brought about by climate change and global economic crisis the Department of Agriculture in Bikol managed to sustain the growth of the rice sector in the region in 2009 through timely interventions of the Department of Agriculture and its attached agencies and active support of some dynamic local executives who put their stake in the sector and through sheer determination and industry of the Bikolano farmers.
For 2009, a total of 313, 762 hectares was planted to rice, an increase of 23,044 hectares over 2008. Subsequently an increase in production was also recorded from 997,581 metric tons to 1,023,215 metric tons or an increase of 2.56%. However, a decrease in average yield per hectare was noted from 3.43 metric tons in the previous year to 3.26 metric tons this year due to the occurrence of calamities and effects of climate change and also due to the decline in fertilizer usage by farmers as a result of a spike in the price of this production input. Still, the region maintained its 2008 sufficiency level of 99 percent.
The DA also intensified its Extension support through conduct of various trainings for farmers and extension workers; technology transfer through technology demonstration and information dissemination using the tri-media and interpersonal communication. The Palayamanan crop-mix approach using location specific technologies for various ecosystems was also promoted providing livelihood opportunities for the community, increased income and productivity for farmer cooperators.
Other support services were likewise extended to individual farmers, local government units, and other institutions such as the conduct of soil analysis, pest monitoring and surveillance and fertility mapping.
To help reduce post harvest losses a total of 56 flatbed dryers were already bidded for distribution to the proponents in the region. This is in addition to the 155 units targeted for 2007-2008 but distributed in 2009. A total of 17 mechanical dryers were also procured and operationalized through the NFA.
A total of 137,139 bags of certified seeds were distributed to farmers during the year, 90% of these (123,324 bags) were for the regular subsidy program and 10% (13,713.9 bags) were under the quick recovery program aimed to assist farmers whose rice crops were totally damaged by typhoons for a total of 8,741 bags and 5,074 bags for those whose rice crops had chance of recovery.
Moreover, to help farmers recoup the losses brought about by typhoons, the DA in collaboration with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation implemented the insurance premium subsidy scheme for August 1 to September 15 planting plus a 50% seed subsidy. A total of 6,456 hectares were covered benefiting 5,477 farmer beneficiaries.
Despite however, the availability of a production loan package amounting to P100, 765 offered by the Land Bank of the Philippines, very few farmers availed of said credit assistance. (Emily B. Bordado)