By Sam Ramos
The Department of Agriculture-Davao Region (DA-11) has distributed PHP17.2 million worth of discount vouchers to rice farmers in three towns of Davao Oriental to support their agricultural input needs.
The voucher distribution took place from November 7 to 9, with farmers in Cateel, Boston, and Baganga receiving vouchers for seeds, soil ameliorants, fertilizers, and bio-fertilizers. Cateel received the largest share of PHP14.7 million, followed by Boston with PHP1.4 million and Baganga with PHP1.1 million.
In total, 287 farmers in Cateel, covering 1,350 hectares, received vouchers. Boston saw 172 farmers benefit, while 188 farmers in Baganga were supported for 471 hectares.
The vouchers aim to enhance rice production for the upcoming planting season by making agricultural inputs more accessible. Qualified farmers received PHP5,000 in seed vouchers and PHP1,000 in soil ameliorant vouchers per hectare.
Farmers registered with the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture and the Farmers and Fisherfolk Registry System can redeem the vouchers at accredited merchants. Additionally, the DA will provide agricultural drone services to help streamline labor and reduce production costs, further boosting productivity.
Further voucher distributions are scheduled in other towns, including Lupon, Banaybanay, and Governor Generoso later in the month.