Over 500 rice farmers in the municipality of Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, have received hybrid and inbred rice seeds along with bio-fertilizers, the Department of Agriculture-Davao (DA-11) announced Thursday.

In a statement, the DA-11 said the distribution took place from Oct. 10 to 15 under its Rice Program, in partnership with the Magsaysay municipal government.

A total of 1,050 bags of public hybrid rice seeds, each weighing 15 kg. and valued at PHP5.25 million, along with 200 bags of private hybrid rice seeds worth PHP763,200, and 3,640 bags of bio-fertilizer were distributed to eligible farmer-beneficiaries.

“These inputs are expected to boost yields in the upcoming dry planting season significantly,” DA-11 said.

The assistance covers some 1,250 hectares of rice farmland.

“This intervention aims to increase rice productivity and assist farmers in offsetting rising production costs, in line with the government’s broader push for rice self-sufficiency across Davao region,” the agency added.

Beneficiaries include members of clustered farmer cooperatives and associations, as well as individuals registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture, ensuring that smallholder farmers receive priority for government support.

DA-11 emphasized that rice remains a key crop in Davao del Sur, supporting food security and providing livelihoods to thousands of farming households.

“This initiative is part of DA’s ongoing efforts to tackle production inefficiencies, strengthen resilience against climate and market risks, and encourage climate-smart, modern farming practices,” the agency said.

The distribution will continue from Thursday to Friday in the neighboring municipality of Bansalan, extending support to more rice farmers in the province. (PNA)