“This program also contributes to the attainment of the Food Staples Self-sufficiency Program of DA,” she said.

The official said that DA 12, through its Agri-Pinoy Rice Program, presently provides a grant of P100,000 to farmer-cooperators of the initiative.

Soraida Bangon, DA-12’s regional techno demo coordinator, said the main objective of the Palayamanan model farm project is “to develop an ecologically-sustainable and diversified farming system to increase
small farmers’ productivity and income.”

Besides increasing agricultural productivity, the program also aimed at restoring the fertility of the soil to attain sustainable ecological balance.

“Through this program, sufficient supply of food sources is guaranteed when their profit from rice production is relatively low,” Bangon said.