Agricultural Development
Attain food security and self-sufficiency, the provincial government maximized its agriculture’s potentials by adopting and promoting new agriculture technologies and practices; and strengthened its implementation of programs, projects and activities in support to farmers and fisher
folks.
On rice production, the province generated a marketable rice surplus of 164,323.63 metric tons; and obtained high level of rice self-sufficiency. This may be attributed to the collaborative efforts of the provincial government through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), municipal government, and the Department of Agriculture in providing continuous assistance to the agriculture sectors through subsidies, provision of farm support, and provision of technical support such as conduct of trainings and capacity building; and continuous institutional development.
In collaboration with DA-Regional Field Office MIMAROPA and other attached agencies, rice production was intensified through implementation of various programs such as the Seed Exchange Program, Rice Model Farm Program, High Yielding Technology Adaptation, and RCEF Seed Program. A total of 250 bags of registered seeds: 23,492 bags of certified seeds; and 12,880 bags of hybrid seed were distributed to farmer beneficiaries.
On September 10, 2019, the province received the 2018 National Rice Achievers Award in recognition of its commitment and contribution in attaining national rice self-sufficiency.
The province is also known as the major producer of corn in the MIMAROPA region. A total yield of 157,644 metric tons of yellow corn and 3,890 metric tons of white corn were produced in total production area of 23,529.24 hectares and 1,257 hectares, respectively. The 2019 Corn Support Intervention Program helped in the enhancement of corn production through distribution of seeds, provisions of post- harvest facilities and farm mechanization equipment to the farmers, conduct of extension activities and conduct of trainings. As part of extension activities, 40 Techno Demo Stites for OPV white corn and hybrid corn were established in Brgy. Tagumpay and Brgy. San Vicente, Sablayan.
The province also received the 2019 Regional Corn Achievers Award and the 2019 National Corn Achievers Award on November 2029 in recognotion of its dedication and efforts in corn production.
Aside from rice and corn programs, the OPA also implement programs for cassava, high value crops like garlics and onion, fisheries and aquaculture, organic agriculture, agri-business, and as well as the institutional programs.
