DA Urges W. Visayas Farmers To Raise Hybrid Seeds

The Department of Agriculture (DA), Iloilo City, is urging farmers in Western Visayas to use hybrid palay seeds this planting season.

DA Regional Executive Dircetor Larry P. Nacionales said that "with the coming of rainy season, farmers should use the hybrid palay seeds since it has higher yield compared to other palay seed types".

The DA technical group has proven that hybrid rice produces more yield in the long run since it can produce more grains per panicle than most inbred rice varieties. This way, farmers would be able to earn more with just less cultivation," Nacionales said.

Hybrid palay seeds are available at the National Food Authority. Likewise, the DA will provide free technical assistance to farmers in the region on how to cultivate and plant the hybrid palay seeds.

Farmers in the region should consider using the hybrid palay seeds, especially with the lower production in the past months due to El Niño phenomenon, Nacionales added.

Western Visayas remains one of the top rice producing regions in the country and it could retain this spot especially that the hybrid seeds are now available for farmers.
DENR: The Need for Functional Drainage System

BORACAY, Aklan, - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has called on both the local governments of Kalibo and Malay, Aklan to implement a functional drainage system to avert possible flood scenario when La Nina comes.

The DENR recently acknowledged that the town of Kalibo is a flood-prone area as proven after typhoon "Frank" hit the province in 2008. This resort island under the governance of Malay, Aklan, meanwhile has also experienced flooding in the past due to the construction boom of resorts.

"I believe that a functional drainage system is an effective tool against flood control like the experience of New York, USA. New York maybe a city, but it never experience flooding," said DENR Undersecretary Manuel Gerochi.

The businessmen are worried on the flooding scenario in the province because it disturbs their businesses. Aklan is not exempted from the threat of global warming.

The Department of Public Works and Highways announced earlier that it will implement the Aklan River flood control and drainage system in 2011. The system is to be implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Gerochi said that they welcome the plan of the DPWH although the project does not include Boracay Island. Only seven out of 17 towns of Aklan would be beneficiaries of the project.

The said towns are Libacao, Madalag, Lezo, Malinao, Banga, Kalibo and Numancia. (PNA)/MP