Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol is pushing for the utilization of hybrid rice seeds in an effort to double the productivity and income of farmers across the country. During his 2nd trip to Guimaras, Piñol urged farmers to embrace the technology of hybrid rice.
“It may be costlier than your regular seed varieties, but come harvest time, you yield and earn more,” Piñol said.
The agri chief added that with the high productivity rate of hybrid rice, it may be possible for the Philippines to stop importing rice in the coming years.
As such he urged Ilonggo farmers to switch into hybrid.
“Mahina ang binhing ginagamit nyo, kaya maliit din ang inyong ani,” he said.
Aside from technology and innovative farm management systems, the Department of Agriculture is putting on its top agenda, two similarly important components—credit and marketing—to help empower farmers and fishers.
The agriculture agency has set up accessible credit windows under the Agricultural Credit Policy Council, such as Production Loan Easy Access (PLEA), at 6% interest per annum with no collateral.
“We have to help farmers with their financial requirements and not burden them with stringent policies,” he said.
As for marketing, the DA has continuously looked for viable markets for agri-fishery products to encourage the stakeholders to produce more.
The agency has been setting up TienDA Farmers and Fishers Outlet in key areas in the Metropolis to provide a direct trading center to farmers, eliminating middlemen and dicers in the process.
“These outlets, aside from providing steady markets for farm producers, sell goods at relatively low prices,” Piñol said.
The Agriculture Secretary was in the island province on September 23, to formally open the fish landing center in Sebario and the Rice Processing Center I in Cabano, both in the municipality of San Lorenzo.
Both projects, turned over to organized groups of farmers and fishers are part of the national agenda for Philippine agriculture development.
“I come here, not because I have a political agenda, but because I love what I do, and I want to fulfill the dreams of every farmer. I love serving the Filipino people,” he said.
He disclosed, that under the Duterte administration, government agencies fast track the implementation of projects.
“Paspas ang delivery, paspas ang proyekto, mas mabilis nakakarating sa mga magsasaka ang tulong,” he said.
During the visit, Piñol interacted with the local farmers and fishers, to personally know what they need to improve their production.
“I am here to listen to your problems and provide solutions the best and fastest way I know how. We will try to give you everything you need, but you have to give us proof that the farmers will benefit from your proposed projects,” he stressed. ### (odarodriguez/DA-AFID)
Photo shows Sec. Piñol inspecting a rice farm in Guimaras during the visit. Piñol encouraged rice farmers to switch into the production of hybrid rice for a higher percentage of yield and profit. (photo by Alarico Nuestro)
