Three sub-projects of the Rice Resiliency Project (RRP) have been implemented in this region. They were the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), Expanded Inbred Rice Production and Expanded Hybrid Rice Production in Suitable Areas.These three projects are expected to benefit around 210,000 farmers.DA-6 procured hybrid and inbred varieties suitable for the wet season while the central office handled the procurement of fertilizers.A total of 359,756 bags of inorganic fertilizers have been allotted to RCEF beneficiaries to complement the distribution of inbred seeds covering 179,878 hectares of targeted rice areas in this region. RECOTER. PNA Hybrid seeds, meanwhile, have been distributed under the Expanded Hybrid Rice Production subproject for 68,234 hectares. This is on top of the regular allocation from the National Rice Program covering 11,766 hectares. “At least we are assured of our staple food. We can likewise provide other regions of their deficit,” she said. ILOILO City – The Department of Agriculture (DA) is looking to increase the rice production in Western Visayas amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.   Around 153,000 bags have been distributed to almost 75, 000 farmers through various drop-off points in this region. Recoter said that as of July 23, almost 72 percent or about 502,000 bags of the 604,000 bags of fertilizers allocated for Region 6 have been delivered. On the other hand, certified seeds have been earmarked for 15,000 hectares of rice plantation under the Expanded Inbred Rice Production subproject together with 30,000 bags of fertilizer. “Our expectation is 10 percent additional production for the wet season,” she said. Recoter said DA-6 has completed the procurement of 15,000 bags of certified seeds for Guimaras and Capiz.She added that 9,541 bags or almost 70 to 71 percent of the target distribution have been released to 7,614 farmers. Recoter said that if the weather cooperates, then they look forward to around 200,000 metric tons of additional production this year from last year’s 2.077 million metric tons. “We are hoping that by end of July the deliveries will be completed,” she said. DA-6’s distribution of hybrid seeds is also ongoing. As of July 23, 25,000 bags out of the 68,000 hybrid seeds have been released to 16,136 farmers. This region’s current rice sufficiency level is at 117 percent. Agriculture regional executive director Engr. Remelyn Recoter said last week the department has allocated P1.06 billion assistance for Western Visayas rice farmers under the Bayanihan We Heal as One Act. A total of 240,000 bags of inorganic fertilizer will also be partnered with these hybrid seeds. Recoter said that it was the first time for the national government to extend massive subsidy to farmers, which could help reduce their cost of production in terms of seeds and fertilizers. The increased production would also mean an increase in this region’s share to the national output. Western Visayas currently shares around 11 to 12 percent of the national production. “Hopefully by end of July we will be at 80 percent,” she said, adding that some farmers are still in their land preparation as the planting in this region has been delayed by one and one-half to two months due to late onset of the rainy season. Those who utilize good seeds or home-saved seeds will also be provided with fertilizer support of about 65,148 bags which are good for 32,574 hectares of rice area. Other than increasing sufficiency level, DA is also looking into the uncertainty in rice importation due to COVID-19. (With a report from PNA/PN) read more