NEARLY 100% of farmers in Sta. Barbara have reported significant losses in the recent second cropping season, primarily due to damage on rice crops caused by recent typhoons.

Jerome Noble, president of the Banaoang Aligwas Farmers Association and an agriculture consultant for the local government unit (LGU), said the storms have devastated many rice fields.

The violent winds caused young rice grains, known locally as dawa, to fall prematurely, resulting to low yields of just about 20 to 30 sacks per hectare.

In response to these challenges, the Sta. Barbara LGU has initiated early distribution of rice seeds, and the planting season already began on November 5.

The distribution of seeds is based on a schedule, with priority given to farmers who have registered their farms with the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) and possess a Rice Seed Distribution Certificate (RSBC).

Noble encouraged farmers to register, emphasizing that the process is free of charge and opens access to various benefits from both national and local government programs aimed at supporting their agricultural activities.

He also urged farmers to participate in training sessions and seminars organized by the MAO to enhance their agricultural skills, improve production, learn how to create organic pesticides, and adopt modern farming techniques.

He stressed that traditional farming practices alone may no longer suffice due to the changing climate conditions and other environmental challenges. (Ahikam Pasion)

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