Negros Occidental secured its position as the second top-performing rice producer in Western Visayas, recording the highest rice yield in the region at 4.1 metric tons (MT) per hectare in 2023.
Governor Eugenio Lacson highlighted this achievement during his State of the Province Address (SOPA), focusing on agriculture and food security.
The address was delivered before the members of the Provincial Board, Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, department and office heads at the Capitol Social Hall on August 20, 2024.
“The importance of agricultural production in achieving food security is always challenged by various factors. However, in 2023, we were recognized for having the highest rice average yield at 4.01 MT per hectare in Region 6,” Lacson noted in his address.
The province produced a total of 486,053.60 metric tons of rice last year, achieving a rice sufficiency level of 84.08 percent. To further support rice farmers, the provincial government allocated P5 million to 38 seed growers under the “Binhi sa Probinsiya” program, which aims to provide high-quality seeds.
“We achieved a total remitted sales income of P1.3 million from our provincial farms and nurseries, generating P642,336 from commercial rice seed production,” added Lacson.
In addition to these efforts, the provincial government invested in agricultural infrastructure and machinery, distributing an agricultural tramline in La Carlota City, five communal irrigation projects, 15 floating tillers, 15 rice threshers, and 58 pumps with engines.
The total value of this equipment reached P44.9 million, underscoring the province’s commitment to promoting modern technology and farm mechanization to boost agricultural productivity.
Lacson also acknowledged the P50 million financial assistance provided by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to 5,000 farmers and fisherfolk, with each beneficiary receiving P10,000 in support.
