Government interventions supporting the agriculture sector were highlighted during the “Farmers Day” celebration of the Municipality of Alimodian on Thursday.

In an interview, Alimodian agriculturist Chyta Calibayan said the interventions are a way of recognizing farmers for their efforts in providing food for the community.

During the activity, Ronel Betic, insurance underwriter of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. in Western Visayas, shared the new guidelines of the agency, which now allow farmers with geotagged farms to apply for insurance up to a maximum of 2 hectares and more than one commodity, from the previous 1.5 hectares and single commodity.

The amount covered per hectare for corn and palay was also increased to PHP25,000 from the previous PHP20,000, effective at the start of the first cropping this year.

“The start of the cropping starts at the onset of the rainy season and when the irrigation opens,” he said.

To avail of the privilege, they have to be listed with the Registry System for the Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

Meanwhile, Iloilo Provincial Agriculture’s Office Supervising Agriculturist Gerone Magbanua said they are eyeing on implementing the Sagip Saka, where the government will directly purchase outputs of farmers.

“We encouraged local government units in the province to directly purchase from our farmers and not through middlemen,” he said, adding that, unlike before, it has to go through a bidding process.

He said that qualified farmers’ associations only have to register with the farmers and fisherfolk information system of the province to qualify for the said procurement method.

He added that the provincial government has an intensified insurance program for farmers who are not registered with the RSBSA.

Provincial veterinarian Darel Tabuada, on the other hand, said they are partnering with their municipal counterparts in ensuring the health of their livestock.

This summer season, to avoid death among farm animals, he urged not to leave livestock under the searing heat of the sun, particularly from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and to provide them with sufficient water at all times.

“Anytime if you have problems with your animal health, immediately call your municipal agriculture office to get assistance,” he said.

Tabuada said that there are only three basic requirements to maintain their health, namely, deworming, vaccination and vitamins.

Also joining the information caravan were the Department of Agriculture Regional Agri-Fishery Section, the Philippine Coconut Authority, and other private partners. (PNA)