DA XI Outlines Support to Davao Irrigators

Davao City (PNA) – The Department of Agriculture (DA) here is intensifying its support to Irrigators Association (IA) in Davao Region in achieving rice sufficiency for the coming years by providing production support and other appropriate assistance.

Speaking during the IA Congress on Monday, regional director Remelyn R. Recoter assured the members of the Irrigators Association (IA) its continuing programs that can boost and help the rice farming community.

She said that the agriculture sector strengthened its support to rice farming by responding to the challenges on climate change.

With the threat of El Niño phenomenon, Recoter said, “environment and soil stresses are the main concern of our farmers. With that, the agri sector will support you by providing drought and saline tolerant varieties for the fields affected by El Niño.”

Recoter also added that DA XI would continue its support on mechanization through farm providers program.

“DA will also support the expansion of planting areas of farmer-cooperators, in coordination with their respective provincial or municipal agriculturists,” she said.Meanwhile, Recoter also urged youth to consider a career in agriculture to reverse the country’s aging farmer population and ensure the sustained growth of this critical sector.

“We are hopeful our younger generation to pursue on the agriculture sector. They are not only becoming a producer but they could also be a best entrepreneur in the farming industry,” she said.

She added that the country had the problem of an aging farmer sector population in which the average age is 57.

“Let us encourage our youth to join the DA programs like capability enhancement trainings for them to understand and somehow get encouraged in embracing the farming world,” she said. (PNA) RMA/LCM/CHERRY MAE D. PALICTE/LDP