The Department of Agriculture Region 7 held a briefing on Community Hybrid Rice Farming (CHRF) in the Province of Siquijor to  highlight the increase in rice production upon establishment of the project.

Cecile Opada, CHRF focal person, said since there is only one cluster for Siquijor, the goal of the project is highly achievable given the yield record of rice for Siquijor at 3.55mt/ha.

Last year, of the 554.34 hectares dedicated to rice farming, 209.75 hectares were planted with hybrid rice, 190.50 hectares during the dry season and 19.24 in the wet season.

With the CHRF, inputs such as rice seeds, subsidy to fertilizers, and machineries will be provided to the cluster association with the Municipality of Maria as hybrid cluster.

Farmers will also be equipped with the skills and knowledge to engage not just in rice production, but also in processing and trading. (PR)