THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has recorded a significant increase of 36.46 percent in palay production during the first quarter in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm).

Saudi Mangindra of the ministry of agriculture, fisheries and agrarian reform (Mafar) said that the 36.46 percent increase is equivalent to 310,012 metric tons (MT), as compared to 196,987 MT logged in the same period last year.

"This is a huge accomplishment for the reason that before, the region usually hit about a three to five percent increase in rice production," Mangindra said.

He also acknowledged the significant contribution of Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice)-Midsayap to Barmm’s agriculture sector.

Meanwhile, Ommal Abdulkadil, PhilRice assistant director for Midsayap, North Cotabato, said that in the midst of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, the agriculture sector and its agencies remain resilient and continued to provide the food supply.

Mafar is currently working on conducting more Farmers' Field School training across Barmm in order to sustain and secure food production in the region. (SunStar Zamboanga)