Distribution of certified seeds to boost agricultural productivity
CAPITOL NEWS
Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr., Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. and Board Member Amado “Pogi” I. Espino, III lead the third distribution of certified palay seeds as part of the province’s rehabilitation effort for farmers affected by Typhoon Lando in October last year. /MVSadim
LINGAYEN- – Another large group of farmer families from various parts of the province benefitted from the third batch of certified-seed distribution activity conducted recently by the Pangasinan Provincial Government.
The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) reported that most of the recipients of the additional 3,000 bags of certified seeds were victims of Typhoon Lando that devastated vast tracks of farmland in October last year.
Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr., Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. and Liga ng mga Barangay President and Board Member Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III were on hand during the certified seed distribution held at the OPAg field office in Sta. Barbara. .
OPAg chief Dolly Moya said that prior to the Sta. Barbara distribution, some 15,584 bags of certified seeds were given to farmer families as early as November last year, followed by the distribution of another 15,051 bags of hybrid palay seeds, assorted vegetable, mungbeen and onion seeds.
In the second batch of distribution, 4,100 bags of certified seeds given to farmers, enabling second and third cropping of palay in the fully irrigated areas served by NIA irrigation systems.
To date, about 40,000 farmers affected by Typhoon Lando were already served and have received assistance from the provincial government.
Giving utmost priority to the agriculture sector, Gov. Espino disclosed that the provincial government fully supports all programs and projects that could benefit all farmers as he added that Pangasinan will remain an agricultural province in the next four to five decades more.
In stating this, the Governor said the government should focus in the improvement of agricultural technology to be able to provide better yield and production for the lowly farmers.
“Kung pagagandahin natin ito at gagawin nating industriya, pagandahin natin ang teknolohiya, suportahan ang inputs, at pati patubig dapat libre na lang,” the Governor said as he added that other farming nations have lower cost of inputs unlike in the Philippines.
Aside from seeds subsidy, other agricultural support given by the present administration involves distribution of water pump and engine sets to various Small Water Irrigation Systems (SWISA) groups and farmers’ organizations. The project is part of the El Nino mitigating measures.
Last month, 100 water pump and engine sets were awarded to SWISA groups and farmers’ organizations and 600 more units will be given to the group of certified seeds recipients, as well.
Meanwhile, Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. disclosed that the partnership between the provincial government and the agricultural sector manifest a strong bond that will ensure continued agricultural development for Pangasinan.
On the other hand, BM Pogi commended the farming sector for continuously providing food for every household.
In addition, the Governor’s son and namesake urged the farmers to continue seeking for new innovations being one of the main source of income for most Pangasinenses.
“Pagandahin po natin ang pagtatanim,” he said as he added that agriculture remains as one of the topmost priorities of the provincial government.
The third batch of certified palay seeds that were distributed will be planted by farmers during the early main cropping season of 2016. (Ruby R. Bernardino)
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