Roxas City — To increase rice production, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Capiz passed a resolution requesting President Macapagal-Arroyo to allocate P30 million for the purchase of soil conditioner and pesticides for farmers whose fields were destroyed by rains and flash floods early this year.Board Member Winston Advincula, who authored the resolution, said there was also a need for farmers to undergo training and attend demonstration on how to use the latest farm products. He said there are programs on how to teach and refresh the farmers on the latest method of rice production, improve the post harvest facilities and provide subsidy to farmers on agricultural inputs.
Records from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistic (BAS) here showed that flashfloods that inundated most towns in Capiz during the first quarter of this year destroyed 4,880 hectares of rice fields valued at P125 million; and affected 8,350 ha with maturing crops. Capiz has 19,826 ha of rice fields. Advincula said that in order to alleviate the hardship endured by the farmers as a result of crop damages and failures, it is imperative to help them acquire farm needs such as seeds, soil conditioner and pesticides. He said it would be timely for the province to seek assistance because the government is now focusing on how to bolster the country's rice production in view of the recent rice shortages. Inquirer | 
