The Department of Agriculture (DA) 13 (Caraga Region) bared Tuesday the ongoing distribution of certified rice seeds to farmers for the 2025 wet cropping season, with more than 100,000 bags already released.
The provision of certified rice seeds is part of the agency’s Rice Competitiveness Enhancement (RCEF) Program, which aims to help farmers increase agricultural productivity.
Latest DA-13 data indicates that between March 16 and April 16, a total of 137,941 bags of certified rice seeds were delivered to various organizations and local government units in the region’s five provinces.
Of the total bags delivered, 103,308 have been distributed to 29,474 rice farmers.
“The release of certified rice seeds will cover around 39,061 hectares of farmland in 69 cities and municipalities across the region,” the DA-13 stated in its data.
Among the certified seeds distributed were the NSIC Rc160, 222, 436, 442, 508, 534, 216, 402, 440, 480, and 512, and PSB Rc18 and 27 varieties. (PNA)