DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, August 31 (PIA) -- The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has allotted P521 million budget for its projects in Negros Oriental for 2023.

“Provincial NIA officials disclosed to the governor that the agency has allocated P521 million for irrigation projects in Negros Oriental come 2023 as the chief executive sponsored the resolution of the same to the recent Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting in Cebu City. These include the construction, repair, and rehabilitation of irrigation canals or systems in strategic locations province-wide,” said Capitol Information Officer Oliver Lemence.

Governor Pryde Henry Teves also directed local NIA officials to prioritize irrigation systems in Tanjay City and in the municipalities of Sta. Catalina, Siaton, Ayungon, and Tayasan where rice is cultivated and produced.

Lemence said NIA has pledged its full commitment and support to the Governor's directive and to his other initiatives to boost agricultural production and improve food security in the province through the establishment of irrigation systems.

Teves has repeatedly stressed agriculture as a key program of the current administration of the provincial government.

He has also allocated P400 million for the improvement of the agricultural sector in the province especially in the production of rice, corn, vegetable, and fish in upland areas.

Aside from this, he also recognized the need to subsidize farmers to help them amid the rising cost of farm implements.

With this, the governor announced the move to give P34,000 subsidy to farmers to help them in the land preparation, transplant, and fertilizer support.  (RAL/PIA7 Negros Oriental with reports from Provincial PIO)