May 17, 2024

Negros Occidental, Philippines implements US$204,000 in agricultural projects to boost crop production

The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) in Negros Occidental, Philippines, is launching three projects at the Negros First Integrated Agricultural Centre (NFIAC) in Himamaylan city, aiming to enhance the production of corn and other crops, Philippine News Agency reported.

The PHP 11.8 million (US$204,000) projects encompass seed production and certification, sustainable integrated farming, and support for establishing corn production in various demonstration farms.

The seed production and certification component aims to enhance the production of high-quality seeds to address shortages and ensure their availability to farmers.

With a total project cost of PHP 5 million (US$86,000), this component will fund the procurement of inputs and labour costs for the NFIAC provincial demo and seed farm and the newly-organised Negros Occidental Seed Growers and Agriculture Cooperative.

Under the sustainable upland and lowland integrated farming component, also allocated PHP 5 million, farmer associations from 13 local government units (LGUs) have been identified as target beneficiaries. These include those engaged in corn farming systems across the province.

The OPA briefer outlined that this project will promote crop diversification by distributing leguminous crops and assorted vegetables to augment farmers' income and increase the availability of good-quality corn seeds. Corn shellers and manual corn seeders will also be provided to assist farmers in planting and corn milling activities.

The targets for corn production facilities, with funding of PHP 1.812 million (US$31,400), are various demo farms for interested farmers.

-      Philippine News Agency