The Department of Agriculture in the Davao Region distributed on Monday PHP2.7 million worth of fertilizer discount vouchers (FDVs) to 338 farmers in Cateel town, Davao Oriental province.

“Farmers will use the FDVs valued at PHP6,600 per hectare to claim the fertilizer. However, they can only receive a maximum of PHP13,200 worth of FDV to cover two hectares of rice area,” Jacinto Macoy, Jr. DA-11 rice program focal person, said in a statement.

Macoy said Cateel farmers can claim their fertilizers through an accredited merchant, the Bacphil Planters Fertilizers Corporation.

“The FDVs should be claimed not later than April 30 as they can no longer be used beyond that date,” he added.

The DA-11 rice program has a total budget allocation of PHP87 million worth of FDVs for 9,945 rice farmers in the region. As of April 24, the agency has released a total of PHP35 million for the assistance which is equivalent to 4,237 FDVs.

Apart from vouchers, DA-11 has also been providing input subsidies to rice farmers such as seeds, fertilizer, training, and cash assistance, to improve their production. (PNA)