CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela (PIA) - -  Cagayan Valley farmers lauded the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., implemented through the Department of Agriculture (DA). 

Recently, DA conducted Rice Technology Transfer Training in Cauayan City in this province where key players in the agriculture sector from Regions 1, 2, 3, and CAR gathered together to strategize the implementation of the Masagana Rice program of the government. 

During the training, Agriculture Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development, Leocadio Sebastian, presented the proposed strategies in the implementation of the program including the concept of rice value chain such as the modern production techniques, pest and disease management, water conservation post-harvest technologies, and marketing strategies.

“Itong Masagana Rice ay programa ng ating Pangulong Marcos para mapalago pa ang ating rice industry. Ito ay naka-focus sa pagsiguro na yung ating mga magsasaka ay matulungan mapalago ang kanilang kita at maabot din natin ang higher sufficiency level,” Sebastian said.

Fernando Balut, Sr., vice president of the Luyang San Nicolas Irrigators Association in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, is hopeful that the new program of the government will not only increase farmer’s income but will also contribute to food sufficiency and economic stability in the entire country. 

“Napakanganda ng layunin ng programang Masagana Rice sapagkat mabibigyan kami ng sapat na tulong at kaalaman na maaring makatulong sa pagpaparami ng aming ani at kita są pagtatanim ng palay,” Balut said. 

Anent this, Benigno Simon, Jr., a farmer in this city, also lauded the initiative of the agriculture department which aims to address the challenges in the rice industry, especially in the production side. 

“Ako ay umaasa na sa pagpapatupad ng gobyerno sa Masagana Rice program ay tataas ang aming ani at kita na makakatulong din para magkaroon ng sapat na pagkain ang lahat,” Simon said. 

The program further aims to capacitate farmers to increase their yield, reduce production cost and increase their income. (OTB/MGE/PIA Isabela)