THE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday said it will start providing hybrid rice seeds and inorganic fertilizers to eligible farmers under its National Rice Program.
The program is intended to boost rice productivity, increase farmers’ income and enhance national food security.
“By providing quality hybrid seeds and inorganic fertilizer support, the program seeks to increase yield performance, promote the adoption of modern and science-based farming practices, and ensure efficient resource utilization in rice production areas,” said the DA.
Memorandum Circular 13, Series of 2026, signed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on March 17, contained guidelines on the seeds and fertilizers distribution covering rice-producing regions across the country, except in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Rice farmers listed in the DA’s Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and in the RSBSA Profiling Platform can avail themselves of the provisions.
Beneficiaries of the hybrid rice seeds are automatically eligible for the inorganic fertilizer assistance program, said the DA.
Farmers who are not members of any rice farm clusters may receive provisions for up to 5 hectares, while members of organized farm clusters may get provisions for up to 10 hectares.
The distribution will be implemented through procurement, printed discount vouchers (PDVs), or through the DA’s Intervention Monitoring Cards (IMCs).
The DA’s Regional Field Offices will facilitate procurement of the provisions.
Farmer-beneficiaries will receive PDVs, which they can use for claiming in-kind input assistance at merchants accredited by the DA.
IMCs will serve as electronic wallets that farmers can use to claim in-kind input assistance at merchants accredited by the DA.
For PDVs and IMCs, the value will depend on the farm area planted by the farmers, as well as the total budget allotted to the program under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.
© Copyright 2025 The SSResource Media.
All rights reserved.