Some 3,000 farmers in Davao del Sur have benefited from the Department of Agriculture-Davao Region’s (DA-11) hybrid rice seed caravan.

The caravan has reached Bansalan, Magsaysay, Matanao, Padada and Sulop, providing farmers with quality hybrid rice seeds to boost yield performance and strengthen local rice production.

Magsaysay recorded the largest allocation so far with 1,470 hectares supported, followed by Matanao with 1,300 hectares and Bansalan with 1,000 hectares, according to a DA-11 news release Thursday.

Padada and Sulop covered 132 hectares and 112 hectares, respectively.

“To enhance rice productivity this coming wet cropping season, DA-11 has expanded its hybrid rice seed caravan across key rice-producing municipalities in Davao del Sur,” the agency said in a statement.

On May 5 to 7, distribution activities covered 1,900 hectares in Hagonoy.

On May 19, the caravan will move to Malalag, targeting 40 hectares of rice area.

DA-11 assured that the distribution will ensure all targeted farmer-beneficiaries receive timely assistance ahead of the wet cropping season.

The initiative, part of DA’s push for rice sufficiency, provides free or subsidized high-yielding seeds and fertilizer to registered farmers. (PNA)