The Department of Agriculture-Davao Region (DA-11) has distributed PHP17.2 million worth of discount vouchers to rice farmers in three towns in Davao Oriental to support input needs.

Jacinto Macoy Jr., DA-11 rice alternate focal point, said on Monday that farmers in Cateel, Boston, and Baganga were given seed discount vouchers, soil ameliorant discount vouchers, fertilizer vouchers, and bio-fertilizer vouchers during distribution events held over the weekend.

Farmers in Cateel received the largest share, with PHP14.7 million in vouchers, Boston received PHP1.4 million and Baganga PHP1.1 million.

A total of 287 farmers in Cateel received vouchers for seeds, soil ameliorants, fertilizers, and bio-fertilizers covering 1,350 hectares, with additional vouchers for other inputs.

In Boston, 172 farmers benefited from the vouchers, while in Baganga, 188 farmers received support for 471 hectares.

The voucher distribution aims to enhance rice production in the upcoming planting season by helping farmers access agricultural inputs.

Each qualified farmer was allotted PHP5,000 in seed vouchers per hectare and PHP1,000 in soil ameliorant vouchers per hectare.

Farmers registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture and the Farmers and Fisherfolk Registry System can redeem the single-use vouchers from accredited merchants.

To further boost productivity, the DA will provide agricultural drone assistance in designated rice clusters to streamline labor and reduce production costs.

Farmers can use their vouchers to access drone services from merchants authorized by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority, Civil Aeronautics Board and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Macoy said.

Additional voucher distributions are scheduled in other Davao Oriental towns: Lupon on Nov. 19 and 20, Banaybanay on Nov. 21 and 22, and Governor Generoso on Nov. 27 and 28. (PNA)