OROQUIETA, Misamis Occidental (PIA)-- Misamis Occidental province has achieved much higher rice production by the end of 2023 as a result of the provincial government’s Asenso Rice Farmers Full Assistance program, initiated by Governor Henry S. Oaminal for the local farmers.  
Since the provincial government implemented its free fertilizer projects and land preparation input assistance, Governor Oaminal said the province gradually increased its production yield of up to 5.6 to 6 metric tons (MT) per hectare.

“Sa atong farmers [From our farmers], there was an increased production yield. Originally, ang atong production yielded nasa [our production yielded from] 4.6 to 4.9 metric tons per hectare, and based on the harvest that we had, it was 5.6 to 6 metric tons, which is even higher than the national target,’’ he said.

Oaminal said the local agriculture program, through the administration’s Asenso Rice Farmers Full Assistance flagship program, targets maintaining food self-sufficiency levels in the province, which was attained by providing sustainable assistance to farmers.

“Ang goal nato nga mu-increase ang production yield sa farmers with low production costs, so mo increase ang ilang income, and at the same time, it will also increase the gross domestic product, nato diri sa atong probinsya [Our goal is to increase the production yield of farmers with low production costs so that their income will increase and, at the same time, it will also increase the gross domestic product here in the province],” he emphasized.

Under the initiative, Oaminal said the farmers were allowed to use free farm equipment and machinery operated by the provincial government, which could cut the farmers’ production costs, making it more affordable for them.

Gov. Oaminal wants to inspire and support the local agriculture sector so they can help the provincial government attain agricultural productivity, “thereby improving their household income.” (PGMO/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)