Albay farmers get flood-resistant ‘palay’ seeds

OAS, Albay – Hundreds of farmers here received free hybrid “palay” seeds from the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday.

“The palay seed is not just an ordinary variety but it is also considered as flood and typhoon resistant,” said Marcial Bustarga, hybrid rice program coordinator of DA.

He said these hybrid palay seeds, once planted, could boost farm produce or yield.

“The reason why we are distributing this kind of variety of palay seed is that we would like to showcase the hybrid techno demo and we would like the farmers to have a very good and abundant harvest,” he said.

Oas Mayor Domingo Escoto Jr. said the distribution is just in time for the rainy season.

“This kind of program will surely benefit our farmers (because) if their produce is good, it’s also a reflection of a good economy,” he said. Oas town is the rice granary in Albay province.

“It’s a big help for us especially to us poor farmers, particularly (since) the seed is both good for dry and wet seasons,” farmer Felix Mediavillo said.

Aside from palay seeds, fertilizers were also given to farmers.