Bago City in Negros Occidental continues to contribute to the province’s food security goals after being recognized as the top rice producer in 2024.
With an average yield of 4.27 metric tons (MT) per hectare, it logged a total rice production of 123,231 MT, with 29,012.36 hectares of area harvested last year.
Due to the bountiful harvest, Bago was named the Top Yielder LGU in Rice Production for 2024 and was given recognition for its valuable contribution to the rice industry development and food security program of the province during the Rice and Corn Day of the 29th Panaad sa Negros Festival 2025 on Tuesday.
In an interview on Wednesday, City Agriculturist Marvin John Blance attributed the city’s achievement to the improved seed varieties that generate higher yields.
“Hybrid and certified seeds have better resistance to pests and diseases and adapt well to local conditions,” he said.
The practice is supported by modern farm machinery, such as tractors, planters, and harvesters to ensure timely land preparation, planting, and harvesting.
“Farm mechanization leads to increased productivity and reduced labor costs,” Blance said.
He said applying effective pest and disease management strategies is also vital in reducing crop losses from pests and diseases, as well as promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
Blance said the city government also conducts extension services and farmer training to equip farmers with updated skills and information on modern farming technologies and practices.
He also cited the financial support from the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the distribution of fertilizer discount vouchers to the local rice farmers.
“Farmers are given access to essential farm inputs, ensuring proper nutrient management for better crop productivity,” he said.
Producing 30 percent of the rice output of the province, Bago City is known as the “Rice Granary of Negros Occidental.” It has received the DA Rice Achievers Award for three consecutive years from 2018 to 2020. (PNA)
