THE Provincial Government of Negros Occidental continues to implement various projects–worth almost P127 million positioned–to strengthen the province's agriculture sector, an official said.
Fourth District Board Member Victor Javellana, chairman of the committee on agriculture of the Provincial Board, said the implementation of these projects starts this year until 2019.
Javellana, in his speech during the 2nd Food Production Heroes Assembly on Friday, said the bulk of the amount was allocated for irrigation development worth P28 million, which will benefit nine municipalities in the province.
About P25 million was intended for farm mechanization. It is a complete package for rice production, from land preparation to harvest in six districts and two government farms.
The machinery includes hand tractor, power tiller, rotary weeder, combine transplanter harvester, and levee maker, among others.
Another P25 million from the national government with a counterpart from the local fund was allotted for rice and corn seeds distribution.
The province also earmarked P20 million for the establishment of the agri-fishery laboratory. This is to provide accurate technical assistance to farmers and timely control of emerging pests on different crops and identification of fish diseases.
Other projects include Negros First Universal Crop Insurance (NFUCIP) fund worth P14.6 million; development of high-value crops industry, P5 million; research and development on climate resilient technology, P5 million; and support program on disaster risk reduction on crops and coastal areas, P4 million.
"Recently, the SP has approved P7 million worth of crop insurance fund which can be availed by farmers and fisherfolk affected by calamities," he said, adding that "it is timely as some were affected by the recent bad weather condition and pest infestation."
The official further said that the Provincial Board has also approved P4 million as an additional fund for the establishment of 650-meter tramline in Barangay Patag, Silay City.
“The province has been helping farmers and fisherfolk, and we will continue doing that,” Javellana said, as he thanked them for their enthusiasm and help in sustaining the agriculture programs of the government.
Javellana also challenged the rice farmers to increase their production so the province will no longer import rice, but to become exporter instead.
For his part, Provincial Agriculturist Japhet Masculino said most of these projects are currently on bidding and procurement process.
Masculino said they target to implement all these projects this year, and have it completed by 2019.
“Through these interventions, we are optimistic to further strengthen the agriculture industry of Negros Occidental,” adding that through farm mechanization, for instance, “we can lessen post-harvest losses enabling farmers to boost profitability.”