ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE | May 20, 2022 – As part of the Farmers and Fisherfolks Month celebration, DA RFO-9 organized a Rice Information Caravan on 18 May 2022 at Godod, Zamboanga del Norte. One hundred rice farmers from the several barangays of the municipality attended the event.

The goal of the caravan was to enlighten and update the farmers on the Department’s many initiatives, programs, and services that they might use during the current and future growing seasons.

During the caravan, FPA Zamboanga Peninsula through its Provincial Officer Dionn Mark Bohol explained to the farmers the reasons attributed to the high prices of fertilizer and the current scenario of the fertilizer industry. He also encouraged farmers to adopt the Balance Fertilization Strategy (BFS) and not rely much on using traditional fertilizer to maximize yield while minimizing input cost.

Various IEC materials and biological control samples were also distributed to the farmers present.

Present during the event were the DA Region 9 Farmer Director Leonardo Caparida, who led the activity, DA 9 Rice Action Officer Evelyn Academia, and Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer of Zamboanga del Norte George Vallente, RCPC, ILD, DA 9 Information Team, and Municipal Agriculturist & Staff.

Several DA-affiliated organizations, such as the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), National Food Authority (NFA), and Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), were also present and updated the farmers on their programs and services. ###

Photo courtesy: DA Zampen