Rice production in the Caraga region increased in 2024, the Department of Agriculture in Caraga (DA-13) reported Monday.
Rice production reached 574,093 metric tons (MT) last year, compared with 531,431 MT in 2023, according to DA-13 data.
“The increase is attributed to the use of hybrid seeds, high-quality inbred seeds, fertilizers, and soil ameliorants,” the agency said.
Corn production also increased, reaching 138,614 MT, compared with 134,471 MT in 2023.
The average yield per hectare for rice increased to 3.48 MT from 3.33 MT, while corn production increased to 3.83 MT from 3.64 MT.
Only swine production grew in the livestock sector, with 112,237 heads, compared with 107,071 in 2023.
Carabao, cattle, and goat production decreased last year due to weather.
Chicken production increased to 2,845,057 heads from 2,172,109.
DA-13 Regional Director Arlan Mangelen said the agency has PHP2.5 billion to support farmers in 2025.
“We will find ways to strategize program implementation to steer agriculture toward development,” he said.
Last year, the agency supported 59,761 farmers and 1,332 farmers’ groups. (PNA)
