The Department of Agriculture in the Caraga Region (DA-13) has distributed over PHP12 million in fertilizer and fuel discount vouchers to rice farmers in Agusan del Sur province during the first week of April, aiming to boost rice production.

From April 2 to 5, around 2,400 rice farmers in the municipality of San Francisco received fertilizer vouchers worth PHP10.9 million under the DA’s Masagana Rice Industry Program, DA-13 said in a statement Thursday.

This allocation included PHP7.9 million for fertilizers, PHP1.7 million for biofertilizers, and PHP1.1 million for soil ameliorants.

On April 3, the agency distributed PHP1.5 million in fuel discount vouchers to 529 rice farmers in Sta. Josefa municipality.

Each farmer received PHP3,000, which beneficiary Grace Martinez said was enough to cover 24 liters of diesel for operating farm machinery.

Fred Moran, a farmer from San Francisco, lauded the timely distribution of fertilizer vouchers, citing their crucial role in ensuring a successful rice harvest.

“Last year’s distribution under this program helped me increase both production and income,” Moran said in an interview.

Similar efforts are planned for other rice farmers across Agusan del Sur and the Caraga region.

“The release of these vouchers is designed to support rice cultivation and boost farm productivity,” the agency said. (PNA)