Agricultural inputs, worth P11.8 million, were distributed to corn and rice-based farmers during the launching of the “Binhi sang Probinsiya” and ceremonial corn harvesting at the Negros First Integrated Agricultural Center (NFIAC) in Brgy. Cabadiangan, Himamaylan City recently.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, together with 5th District Rep. Dino Yulo, board members Rita Gatuslao, Anton Occeño, and Jeffrey Tubola, Himamaylan City Mayor Raymund Tongson Jr., and OIC provincial agriculturist, Dr. Dina Genzola, among others, attended the event.
The project, supervised by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, has three components – seed production and certification, sustainable integrated farming, and support for the establishment of corn production in various demo farms of the provincial Government of Negros Occidental, a Capitol press release said May 11.
The seed production and certification ais to enhance the production of high-quality seeds for the farmers. The P5 million project cost include the NFIAC demo farm inputs, such as the purchase of registered rice seeds, fertilizer, and labor costs, as well as assistance to the Negros Occidental Seed Growers and Agriculture Cooperative.
The sustainable integrated farming aims to support integrated farming systems for lowland and upland farmers, who are engaged in sugarcane, corn, and rice-based farming systems in the province.
The project will promote crop diversification by distributing leguminous crops and assorted vegetables for production to augment the income of farmers, and increase the availability of good quality corn seeds, the Capitol said.
Corn shellers and manual corn seeders will also be available to assist the farmers in planting and corn milling activities.
The initial target beneficiaries include the local government units of San Carlos City, Calatrava, Murcia, Cadiz City, La Castellana, Isabela, Moises Padilla, Himamaylan City, Binalbagan, Kabankalan City, Ilog, Cauayan, and Hinobaan.
Corn production facilities will also be established in various demo farms of the province for the benefit of farmers engaged in corn production; the project includes the provision of certified corn seeds, fertilizer, and profiling of related expenses and activities. ||
