NIA-13 empowers 2k farmers through harvest festival
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
MADRID, Surigao del Sur (PIA) -- The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Caraga hosted a vibrant Harvest Festival to commemorate the success of its pioneering Rice Contract Farming program at the NIA Cantilan Integrated System (CantIS) in Madrid, Surigao del Sur on August 22.
This event marked a significant milestone in the region's agricultural development, showcasing the tangible benefits of the Rice Contract Farming Project. The Cantilan River Irrigated System (RIS) emerged as a trailblazer in the Caraga region, rolling out this innovative program across 1,799.58 hectares in the municipalities of Cantilan and Madrid in the northern part of the province.
Now in its third cropping cycle, the program has become a lifeline for 2,017 farmers, members of 16 Irrigators Associations (IAs) who reaped the benefits of improved crop yields and enhanced farming efficiency. Also, the festival served not only as a celebration of their hard work but also as a testament to the program's role in bolstering local agricultural productivity.
The provincial government of Surigao del Sur, under the leadership of Gov. Alexander T. Pimentel, ably represented by Administrative Officer Frederick Campos, expressed strong support for the program.
"Gov. Pimentel's administration is committed to supporting NIA's efforts,
utilizing available resources to address the needs of the agricultural sector.
From implementing plans to increasing production and advancing technology, we
are aligned with the goal of ensuring a rice-sufficient nation," Campos
said.
The local government units of Cantilan through Mayor Philip Pichay, and Madrid through Vice Mayor Philip Urquia also expressed their support for the program.
The festival brought together local farmers, government officials, some national agencies, stakeholders, and community members to celebrate the achievements of the said project. Key highlights include a showcase of harvested rice, awards for the highest yield, the rice product winner, and presentations on the Rice Contract Farming initiative.
The Rice Contract Farming Project is a comprehensive strategy aimed at providing farmers with a stable and profitable environment. Through structured contracts and robust support systems, the project paves the way for sustainable agriculture and economic stability for the region's rice producers.
Moreover, this event served as a platform for discussing the agency’s future plans, programs, and projects, all geared towards improving the welfare of Filipino farmers. This initiative is also aligned with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s vision of achieving a rice-sufficient nation, ensuring that the agricultural sector continues to thrive in the face of modern challenges. (NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)
