Misamis Occidental Celebrates Record Rice Production in 2023 Due to Innovative Agricultural Program

Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental | via Bhal Cabrera | January 6, 2024

Provincial Government's Asenso Rice Farmers Full Assistance Program Boosts Yields, Misamis Occidental has marked a significant achievement in its agricultural sector, reporting a substantial increase in rice production by the end of 2023. This success is attributed to the effective implementation of the Asenso Rice Farmers Full Assistance program initiated by Governor Henry S. Oaminal.

Under Governor Oaminal's leadership, the provincial government introduced free fertilizer projects and land preparation inputs assistance as part of the Asenso Rice Farmers Full Assistance program. The initiative aimed to support and uplift local farmers, enabling them to enhance their productivity and contribute to the province's food self-sufficiency.

Governor Oaminal expressed his satisfaction with the program's outcomes, stating that the province witnessed a gradual rise in production yield, reaching an impressive 5.6 to 6 metric tons per hectare. This surpassed the original production yield of 4.6 to 4.9 metric tons per hectare, even surpassing the national target.

"For our farmers, there was an increased production yield. Originally, our production yield was between 4.6 to 4.9 metric tons per hectare, and based on the recent harvest, we achieved 5.6 to 6 metric tons, which is even higher than the national target," Governor Oaminal proudly declared.

The Asenso Rice Farmers Full Assistance flagship program focuses on maintaining food self-sufficiency in the province by providing sustainable assistance to farmers. Governor Oaminal emphasized the goal of increasing production yield while reducing production costs, ultimately boosting farmers' income and contributing to the province's gross domestic product.

To make agriculture more accessible and affordable for local farmers, the program allows them to use free farm equipment and machinery provided by the provincial government. This strategic move helps minimize production costs and enhances the overall efficiency of farming operations.

Governor Oaminal expressed his commitment to inspiring and supporting the local agriculture sector, with the aim of achieving greater agricultural productivity. He believes that by improving household income through successful farming practices, the provincial government can contribute significantly to the overall development of Misamis Occidental.