THE Department of Agriculture (DA)-Davao reported that a total of 117,600 kilograms or 2,950 bags of buffer seeds for calamities were already distributed to the farmers affected of El Niño in some areas in Davao region.
The agenc, through the Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM), distributed around 2,100 bags inbred rice certified seeds in Davao del Norte which was hit hardest since the weather occurrence in November last year. Compostela Valley received 55 bags and 300 bags in Davao Oriental. Each bag of seeds would cost P1,360.
“Buffer stocking is one of the programs of the DA para may paunang seeds. In case of calamities or disasters sa mga farms, at least may ready na itanim ang mga farmers kung sa tingin nila ay pwede na ulit magtanim,” DA-DRRM alternate focal person Joedel Leliza said in a phone interview yesterday, July 2, 2019.
“Ang Basis namin for distribution is the request of the local government units (LGUs) kasi hindi naman lahat ng areas ng Davao region ay affected ng El Niño,” he added.
Affected farmers are advised to go to the nearest provincial or municipal office and asked to avail for seeds through a request letter.
“Lahat po pwede makakuha ng seeds as long as affected ng calamities,” Leliza said.
Meanwhile, DA 11 regional seed coordinator Evelyn Basa said the agency is currently requesting another 5,969 bags of seeds for buffer stocks which are expected to be given to the region this year.
Aside from buffer stocking, the agency has programs for productivity enhancement for farmers not affected of any calamities but is having a difficulty in its production.
“Kahit hindi affected pwede parin mag request sa amin. Kung may damage man sa mga identified vulnerable areas sa region, at least stable parin ang production by enhancing productivity of other areas not affected of calamity or what we call non-vulnerable areas,” Leliza said.