DA distributes fertilizer vouchers to farmers in Siargao
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga recently distributed various fertilizer vouchers to the eight municipalities in Siargao Island in the province of Surigao del Norte.
This initiative served as
a significant effort to bolster rice farming in the island, particularly during
the 2024-2025 dry cropping season.
The distribution of P5.8
million in rice discount vouchers across eight municipalities in Siargao Island
demonstrated a substantial investment in local agriculture that reached a total
of 2,537 farmers which is a significant portion of the farming community
in the area.
The program utilized three
types of vouchers, each targeting a different aspect of rice production such as
fertilizer discount vouchers (FDV) with a total amount of P4.2 million, as the
largest portion of the aid. These vouchers helped farmers offset the cost of
fertilizers considered as a crucial input for maximizing rice yields.
The FDV covered 889
hectares that allowed farmers to have access to the necessary nutrients for
their crops.
Also, the distribution of
bio-fertilizer discount vouchers (BFDV) with a total amount of P975,500
promoted the use of bio-fertilizers as more sustainable and environmentally
friendly than chemical fertilizers, contributing to long-term soil health. The
coverage of 393 hectares indicated a push towards more sustainable farming
practices.
The soil ameliorant
discount vouchers (SADV), on the other hand, with a total amount of P651,000
assisted the farmers in improving their soil quality as soil ameliorants can
address issues like acidity or nutrient deficiencies, creating a more fertile
environment for rice cultivation. Like the BFDV, the 393-hectare coverage
showed a focus on soil health.
The recipient municipalities
included Sta. Monica, Burgos, San Isidro, San Benito, Pilar, General Luna, Del
Carmen and Dapa. This widespread coverage guaranteed that farmers across
the island have access to these vital resources.
Tatay Ruben, a farmer
beneficiary from General Luna expressed sincere gratitude for this timely
assistance to the farmers. "This support is essential to our farm and
livelihood by decreasing the cost and increasing the yield, " he said.
Distributing the vouchers during the dry cropping season is strategically important. This is a critical period for rice cultivation, and the vouchers provided timely support when farmers needed them the most. (SDR, PIA- Surigao del Norte with a report from DA Caraga)
