Programs

RICE PROGRAM

Geared towards the improvement of farmer’s productivity and income. The Program is designed to address the challenges of the rice sector specifically on the declining yield per unit area caused by climate change and high cost of production; poor irrigation system; inadequate post-harvest facilities and farm-to market roads; and, inefficient extension delivery system.

The goals of the Rice Program are to:

– Attain national food security at all times.

– Reduce poverty incidence in the rural areas.

– Increase net farm income.

– Ensure sustainability of the natural resource base.

– Enhance people empowerment.

Specifically, the program seeks to:

– Improve profitability as reflected by increase net farm income;

– Provide adequate food supply that is accessible and affordable to everyone at all time;

– Increase productivity through promotion of cost-effective technologies, conservation and management of natural resources; and

– Provide a favorable policy conducive to increase agricultural investments and global competitiveness.

CORN PROGRAM

The overall goal of the Corn Program is to increase productivity and production of quality corn for human consumption, feeds and industrial uses, as well as improve farmers’ incomes and quality of life.

Specifically, the Program aims to achieve the following immediate objectives in the program farm clusters:

– To increase average corn productivity from 3.21 MT/ha to 5.0 MT/ha; corollary, to decrease current average production costs by at least 20%;

– To increase farmers’ adoption of the yellow corn hybrid technology;

– To produce quality corn and decrease post harvest losses by 5% through timely

and proper harvesting, shelling, drying and storage techniques;

– To increase the incomes of corn farmers by insuring at least 50% return on the investments, and by improving productivity of labor;

– To stabilize prices at levels equitable to farmers, consumers and end users;

– To ensure corn-based farming systems technology development and transfer sys           tem; and

– To improve and institutionalize linkages between and among the Department of Agriculture (DA), Local Government Units (LGUs), Non-government Organizations (NGOs), Peoples Organizations (POs), State Colleges and Universities (SCUs), and the private sectors.

LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY PROGRAM 

The Livestock and Poultry Program will help ensure food security, alleviate poverty, enhance incomes and profitability and achieve global competitiveness for the livestock and

poultry sub-sector. It will seek to:

– Increase livestock production and improve livestock productivity to help ensure the availability, accessibility and affordability of livestock products.

– Increase the incomes of livestock farmers by providing access to technology, re

sources, support services and infrastructure;

– Ensure the compatibility of practices in the livestock and poultry enterprises with environmental standards;

– Transform the livestock industry from a resource-based to a technology-based Industry;

– Work for the global competitiveness of the domestic poultry and livestock enterprises; and,

– Provide a policy environment conducive to the continuing growth and development of the livestock and poultry industry.

HIGH VALUE CROPS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 

The goal of the program is to empower the private sector, particularly small farmers or smallholders and entrepreneurs, in order to expand investments in high value commercial crops, thereby increasing their contribution to economic growth, producer’s incomes and consumer health and welfare.

ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

a. Devote/convert at least 5% of total agricultural area to organic farming

b. Expand market niche/reach of organic products, both local and international

c. Increase number of certified organic farms/establishments