DA assesses Masagana Rice Program implementation  in wet season, harmonizes plans for dry cropping in Capiz 

The Department of Agriculture (DA) convened agricultural extension workers (AEWs)   in Capiz in a meeting on September 10 to assess the performance of the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program (MRIDP) in the ongoing wet cropping season and align plans with local government units (LGUs) in preparation for the upcoming dry season. 

DA Western Visayas Field Operations Division Chief and Regional Rice Program Coordinator Ryan V. Rasgo, who spearheaded the activity, emphasized that accurate and timely data is important for crafting interventions and policies.

Rasgo underscored the importance of improving field reporting systems as the wet season draws to a close. He announced that the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will be invited to the next convergence meeting to ensure that field production data is correctly recorded and validated. 

“Our coordinators and AEWs have the responsibility to gather and report actual data. The benefit is for the farmers, not our convenience,” he said, stressing that decisions made on incomplete data can undermine the effectiveness of government support. Rasgo also called on coordinators to engage with traders and open dialogues on palay floor prices to protect farmers’ incomes.

The meeting likewise addressed issues surrounding the delivery of farm inputs. While the distribution of high-quality seeds was reported as prompt this wet season, several AEWs flagged delays in the delivery of fertilizers, especially muriate of potash (MOP), which farmers said affected crop performance. Despite these challenges, Rasgo remained optimistic, citing the government’s sustained distribution of both inbred and hybrid rice seeds, as well as its ongoing technical assistance and field monitoring efforts that continue to bolster local productivity.

Rasgo encouraged AEWs to actively promote improved crop management technologies among farmers, particularly the use of hybrid rice varieties. Although pest infestations such as stemborer remain a recurring problem in some areas, he expressed confidence that adopting resilient and high-yielding varieties, coupled with sound farm practices, could help farmers overcome these setbacks. He also urged farmers to seek guidance from agriculturists on fertilizer application and pest control to achieve consistent yields.

Extension workers during the meeting voiced concerns about farmers’ low productivity and reluctance to use government-distributed seeds. In response, Rasgo reiterated the critical role of agriculturists in educating farmers about modern farming methods. “Regardless of variety, we can always hit our targets if we apply the right technologies and get favorable weather conditions,” he said. He also reminded farmer clusters to maximize the use of government-provided machinery and re-train combine harvester operators to prevent postharvest grain losses that affect the quality and market value of rice.

To strengthen collaboration, Rasgo assured LGUs and farmer groups that the DA will continue extending support through programs and interventions, but called on local governments to complement national efforts with their own initiatives. “Please support us because we will support you,” he urged. “We hope you and your municipalities also appreciate our efforts. At the end of the day, the benefit is for the farmers.” He encouraged LGUs to strengthen their agricultural offices and engage more closely with farmer clusters to accelerate program delivery.

Rasgo also highlighted the region’s improved production outlook, noting that yields over the past six months have surpassed those of last year, especially during the peak of the wet cropping season. He said hybrid rice varieties are demonstrating strong performance with expected yields of around 6 metric tons per hectare, while certified seeds are projected to deliver about 4.5 metric tons per hectare. He urged farmers to fully utilize government interventions such as seeds, fertilizers, and farm machinery to cut production costs.

Rasgo shared that the DA has allocated 70,597 bags of hybrid seeds, as well as urea fertilizer, muriate of potash, and soil ameliorants for distribution for dry cropping establishment.

He also encouraged farmers to participate in clustering activities to gain direct access to these inputs and to deliver their produce to the nearest National Food Authority (NFA) facilities to support market stability. ###Texts and Photos by Sheila Mae T. Cocjin and Je Erryl Shayne Esmao