The Negros Occidental provincial government distributed on Tuesday PHP2.4 million worth of registered rice seeds and biofertilizers to various farmers associations and cooperatives under the “Binhi sang Probinsya” program.

Being implemented by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), the “Binhi ng Probinsya” aims to strengthen the local rice seed industry by supporting the production of high-quality inbred rice seeds needed by local farmers.

“This initiative seeks to enhance farm productivity and significantly contribute to improving the rice sufficiency level of Negros Occidental,” the OPA said in the project background.

The 11 recipients include Barangay Sibucao Farmer Association in San Enrique, Barangay Pandan Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Pontevedra, A&G Farmers Association and Pandanon Silang Farmers Association in Murcia, and Southern Negros Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Himamaylan City.

Others are in Isabela –Mabagsik Organic Farmers Association, Sebucauan Integrated Farmers Association, Barangay Rumirang Integrated Farmers Association, Maytubig Farmers Association, Barangay Lima-Lima Organic Farmers Association, and the Tablas Sitau Small Water Impounding System Association in Candoni.

The “Binhi ng Probinsya” seeks to contribute to the province’s seed requirement by producing at least 4,000 bags of high-quality inbred rice seeds and ensuring their timely availability within target areas.

“We want our rice producers to produce six tons per hectare,” Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said in an interview after the distribution held at the Provincial Capitol lobby here.

Lacson has been pushing for the production goal as Negrense rice farmers have a current output average of four tons per hectare.

As part of the implementation of “Binhi sang Probinsya”, OPA agriculturists, deputized as seed inspectors by the Bureau of Plant Industry-National Seed Quality Control Services, will conduct regular technical assistance, field monitoring, and inspection.

Such activities will ensure that standard operating procedures, as well as policies and guidelines on seed production and certification, are strictly observed and properly implemented by participating local government units and farmers’ associations, the OPA said. (PNA)