DA exec prods on-time input delivery to boost palay yield this wet season

Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas’ Regional Executive Director Dennis R. Arpia emphasized the importance of timely intervention delivery to enhance palay yield this wet season in a recent meeting with municipal agriculturists of Iloilo Province.

“Our direction should always anchor on our mandate to serve farmers. Dapat ang producer ay masaya sa kanilang ginagawa (producers should be happy with what they do). This year, we are striving to expand our reach and measure the impact of our interventions on our farmers,” he said.

According to Director Arpia, the department is focused on delivering timely and relevant interventions to major rice-producing areas, including Iloilo. DA Western Visayas is set to receive adequate support as the budget allocation for the Rice Program is expected to rise from 11th to 4th place by 2025.

Moreover, the agency seeks to implement clearer guidelines to institutionalize agricultural development, ensuring prioritization is based on strategic needs rather than discretionary decisions. 

“Bawal ma-delay ang distribution of interventions. Kailangan makarating ang interventions on time. We are coordinating with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to ensure that water is available when needed, but ultimately, it is our responsibility to support the farmers,” he added.

Pest management will be incorporated into the Rice Program to help farmers understand which variety to plant and when to avoid losses. Arpia also emphasized the evaluation of hybrid rice varieties through a three-tier monitoring system and the involvement of third-party monitoring groups to ensure unbiased performance evaluations.

Under the Masagana Rice Industry Program, rice farmers listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) will receive inbred or hybrid seeds, biofertilizers, and soil ameliorants.

“Kailangan nating matiyak na ginagamit nila ang teknolohiya para hindi sayang (We need to ensure that they are using the technology effectively to avoid waste). Kailangan nating itaas ang pag-uunawa, pagkilala, at kumpiyansa ng mga magsasaka sa teknolohiya sa pagsasaka,” he said.

Director Arpia assured that technical and field personnel ensure high germination of seeds being distributed, proper processing, and storage handling. 

He also stressed the need to equip Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) with skills in preparing clear and strong proposals to secure more funding and support. Additionally, the DA chief urges local government units (LGUs) to update their inventory of farmers and agricultural associations to better connect them with available programs and projects.###Texts and Photos by SMHToreno/DA-RAFIS 6