BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental recorded the highest rice yield at 4.01 metric tons (MT) per hectare in Western Visayas in 2023, maintaining its position as the second top-performing rice producer in the region.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson highlighted this achievement under agriculture and food security during his State of the Province Address on Tuesday afternoon, delivered before the Provincial Board, led by Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, and department and office heads at the Capitol Social Hall.
"Various factors always challenge the importance of agricultural production in achieving food security. However, in 2023, we were recognized for having the highest rice average yield at 4.01 MT per hectare in Region 6," Lacson said.
With a total of 486,053.60 MT in total production last year, Negros Occidental achieved a rice sufficiency level of 84.08%.
The province has also allocated P5 million to 38 seed growers as part of the "Binhi sa Probinsya" program, aimed at providing quality seeds to rice farmers.
"We achieved a total remitted sales income of P1.3 million from our provincial farms and nurseries, generating P642,336 from commercial rice seed production," Lacson noted.
In terms of agricultural infrastructure and machinery, the province distributed one agricultural tramline in La Carlota City, five communal irrigation projects, 15 floating tillers, 15 rice threshers, and 58 pumps with engines.
"These projects, amounting to P44.9 million, are intended to promote modern technology and farm mechanization to enhance agricultural productivity," the governor added.
Lacson also mentioned the P50 million worth of assistance provided to 5,000 farmers and fisherfolk, which was distributed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during his visit to the province on June 27.
Each beneficiary, severely affected by the El Niño phenomenon and validated by the Department of Agriculture, received P10,000. (PNA)
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