The Department of Agriculture in the Davao Region (DA-11) distributed Wednesday some PHP12 million worth of fertilizer discount vouchers (FDV) to 1,416 farmers covering 1,822 hectares of rice fields in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte.

Marila Corpuz, DA-11 technical director for operations, said the one-time FDV will help the farmers in increasing their farm productivity and income.

The DA-11 rice program has a total allocation of PHP87 million worth of FDVs intended for the 9,945 rice farmers in the region.

“Farmers will use the FDVs valued at PHP6,600 per hectare to claim the fertilizer,” Corpuz said in a statement Thursday.

Farmers can only receive a maximum of PHP13,200 worth of FDV to cover 2 hectares of rice area, she said.

Corpuz reminded beneficiaries to claim the FDVs no later than April 20, as they can no longer be used beyond the deadline.

“This will ensure the timely availability of the needed fertilizer for rice production in the targeted areas,” she said.

Gov. Edwin Jubahib acknowledged the DA-11 for its continuous support to the farmers, even as he encouraged the growers to continue planting despite the current high fertilizer prices.

“The vouchers will aid our local rice farmers in coping with the rising costs of commercial fertilizers affecting palay production and yield,” he said. (PNA)