By Oliver T. Baccay

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – The Department of Agriculture in Region 2 has strengthened its collaboration with various government agencies to implement agricultural strategies aimed at ensuring rice self-sufficiency in Cagayan Valley and supporting the country’s broader food security goals.

Regional Executive Director Rose Mary G. Aquino emphasized during the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program (MRIDP) convergence meeting that achieving food security and improving farmers’ income requires strong collaboration among all stakeholders.

She said a range of strategies is essential to increase rice production, including enhancing farmers’ resilience, reducing risks, modernizing production methods and promoting the use of digital and information technologies in agriculture.

In partnership with the National Irrigation Administration, the DA also introduced the double dry cropping scheme, which aims to maximize crop yields, increase cropping intensity and mitigate climate-related risks.

Aquino highlighted the crucial roles played by various agencies involved in the rice industry development program, particularly within the rice value chain.

She stressed that their contributions are vital for ensuring sustainable rice production and improving farmers’ livelihoods.

“We are not here without reason. We share a responsibility to help our farmers and ensure that our interventions genuinely benefit them,” Aquino said.

Aquino further discussed the promotion of soil ameliorants and biofertilizers, particularly in areas affected by soil acidity and salinity. These issues impact more than 60,000 hectares of farmland in the region.

“Using biofertilizers and soil ameliorants is vital, especially in the double dry cropping scheme, to maintain soil health. It’s important that our partners help explain this to farmers so they understand how it benefits their yields,” she added.

Meanwhile, Regional Technical Director Roberto Busania encouraged the transformation of farmers’ associations into cooperatives to strengthen their role in the country’s economic development.

“This is the essence of why we are here. As change agents, we must embrace convergence to uplift our farmers,” he said.

DA officials also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment, along with its partner agencies, to implement science-driven interventions that empower farmers and contribute to tnation’s agricultural progress (OTB/PIA Region with reports from Barby L. Balcita)

Published Date: March 19, 2025