Alimodian: Government interventions supporting the agriculture sector were highlighted during the 'Farmers Day' celebration of the Municipality of Alimodian on Thursday. In an interview, Alimodian agriculturist Chyta Calibayan emphasized that these interventions are a way of recognizing farmers for their relentless efforts in providing food for the community.
According to Philippines News Agency, during the activity, Ronel Betic, an insurance underwriter of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. in Western Visayas, shared the new guidelines of the agency. These guidelines now permit farmers with geotagged farms to apply for insurance covering up to a maximum of 2 hectares and more than one commodity, an increase from the previous 1.5 hectares and single commodity limit. The coverage amount per hectare for corn and palay has also been raised to PHP25,000 from the previous PHP20,000, effective at the start of the first cropping this year. 'The start of the cropping starts at the onset of the rainy season and when the irrigation opens,' Betic noted.
To avail of these benefits, farmers must be listed with the Registry System for the Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA). Meanwhile, Iloilo Provincial Agriculture's Office Supervising Agriculturist Gerone Magbanua discussed plans to implement the Sagip Saka program, where the government will directly purchase outputs from farmers. 'We encouraged local government units in the province to directly purchase from our farmers and not through middlemen,' Magbanua stated, highlighting that this approach eliminates the need for a bidding process and simplifies procurement for qualified farmers' associations registered with the farmers and fisherfolk information system of the province.
Additionally, Magbanua mentioned that the provincial government has intensified its insurance program for farmers not registered with the RSBSA. On another front, provincial veterinarian Darel Tabuada expressed collaboration with municipal counterparts to ensure the health of livestock. To prevent deaths among farm animals during the summer season, he advised against leaving livestock under the harsh sun from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and stressed the importance of providing sufficient water at all times. 'Anytime if you have problems with your animal health, immediately call your municipal agriculture office to get assistance,' he urged. Tabuada also noted that maintaining animal health requires only three basic practices: deworming, vaccination, and vitamins.
The information caravan also saw participation from the Department of Agriculture Regional Agri-Fishery Section, the Philippine Coconut Authority, and other private partners.
