The office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) of Occidental Mindoro has been instrumental in advancing the agricultural sector of the province, focusing on improving productivity and supporting farmers and fisherfolk, especially in light of challenges such as climate change and El Niño phenomenon. In 2024, OPA continued to promote various agricultural programs to ensure the sustainability of farming and fisheries, ultimately aiming to enhance food security and the livelihood of local communities. One of the key programs, the Rice Program,

Occidental Mindoro, known for its agricultural focus on food production, primarily centers its industry around rice cultivation (Oryza sativa), a vital staple crop in the Philippines. This sector provides seasonal employment for nearly 80% of its residents, encompassing even children. Given the rice crop’s reliance on water, wetland and lowland rice fields are tended to during the monsoon season, spanning from July, the planting season, to October, the harvest period. Conversely, non-water-intensive crops with lengthier growth cycles, such as tobacco,

To attain food security and self-sufficiency, the provincial government under Governor Eduardo B. Gadiano’s headship is maximizing its agriculture’s potentials by adopting and promoting new agriculture technologies and practices; and strengthened its implementation of programs, projects, and activities in support of farmers and fisherfolks. The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist in coordination with the Department of Agriculture performed a function in harmonizing, unified and effective implementation of agriculture and fishery development program in Occidental Mindoro in increasing agricultural productivity and

With regards to Agricultural Development program, Occidental Mindoro continues to be one of the top producers of palay in MIMAROPA Region with 366,952 metric tons total volume of palay production in year 2021. Among provinces in the region, Occidental Mindoro’s corn production reached 40,820.45 metric tons for the first quarter and 31,738 metric tons for the second quarter of 2021 – recorded as the highest share of about 86.93 percent and 91.3 percent respectively in the regional production of corn.