Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. has approved the allocation of an additional P82.5 million to boost rice production in Iloilo, one of the Philippines’ major rice-producing provinces.

“We continue to look for extra funds to help our rice farmers produce more to increase their income and help the country bolster food security,” said the DA chief. “The Marcos administration is fully committed to helping millions of Filipinos who depend on agriculture reap the benefits of their hard work,” he added.

The extra budget will enable the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Region VI office to support hybrid rice production for an additional 16,500 hectares. This will increase the area planted with rice by more than 50 percent from the previous target of 30,000 hectares for the dry season.

Region VI, which encompasses the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental, has 322,000 hectares of rice fields and contributes 14 percent to national production.

However, its average yield of 3.4 metric tons per hectare in 2023 is below the national average of 4.2 metric tons. This yield could be significantly improved with higher-yield potential varieties, ensured irrigation, proper nutrition and recommended cultural management practices, and other agricultural interventions.

“Weather permitting, the additional hectarage that will be planted with hybrid varieties should increase our rice harvest during this dry season,” said Region VI Executive Director Dennis Arpia. He noted that while hybrid seeds can yield up to 10 metric tons per hectare under ideal conditions, the regional office would be satisfied with 5 metric tons per hectare, given unpredictable weather in Western Visayas. “If rains come during the flowering stage, they could significantly impact yields,” he added.

Some areas in Western Visayas have already started planting for the dry season, while others are still completing their harvest, delayed by the El Niño weather phenomenon. ###