Igbaras farm cluster obtain farming inputs from DA ‘Palayamanan’ project

Farmer members of the Labo-on, Bagay, and Corocuan Farm Cluster in Igbaras, Iloilo, recently received farming inputs such as seedlings, water drums, hoses, rakes, and crates from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas under the ‘Palayamanan’ Project.

The cluster’s farmers cultivate over 200 hectares of rice fields integrated with livestock, poultry, vegetable farming, and inland fisheries. The DA’s Palayamanan Project, a component of the MASAGANA Program, promotes diversified farming by incorporating other agricultural activities alongside rice production, such as inland fisheries, vegetable cultivation, and livestock raising.

“The main purpose of Palayamanan is to train, orient, and present to our farmers that, beyond rice production, there are other farming activities they can integrate to increase their income,” said Andrea Faith Evalle, Agricultural Technologist and Palayamanan Coordinator of the Municipality of Igbaras, in an interview.

Barangay Captain of Bagay, Liberatir Eriman Sr., expressed his gratitude to the DA and the Igbaras Municipal Agriculture Office for their support, emphasizing that the interventions have benefited local farmers and boosted tourism in their barangay. Situated at the foot of Mt. Napulak, their barangay has earned the nickname “Gateway to Mt. Napulak.”

Cluster Vice President Ryan Noquilla shared his appreciation for the Palayamanan Project, highlighting its significant impact on farmers within the cluster. He also emphasized the vital role of farmers in ensuring food security, especially in times of potential food shortages.###

Texts by Je Erryl Shayne Esmao & Photos by Khrysma Dei Caldina/DA-RAFIS 6