Corporate farming program boosts yields

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — A groundbreaking initiative by the provincial government is transforming Pangasinan's agricultural landscape by empowering local farmers, increasing crop yields, and reducing production costs.

Launched in 2022 by Gov. Ramon Guico III, the Pangasinan Corporate Farming (PCF) program has grown significantly — from 418 hectares in its initial year to over 1,272 hectares as of 2024, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) said on Thursday.

"Our goal is to make agriculture viable again — not just for today, but for generations to come," Guico said in an earlier interview. "Because it is more cost-efficient, higher yields are achieved with lower production costs."

Pangasinan currently ranks as the country's third-largest rice-producing province, trailing behind Isabela and Nueva Ecija.

At the core of the PCF initiative is a convergence approach, which unites farmer cooperatives and associations, local government units, national agencies, financial institutions, and private stakeholders to collectively uplift the agri-fishery sector.

"This is more than just a program. It's a movement," said provincial agriculturist Dalisay Moya.

"We're equipping our farmers with the knowledge, resources, and community support they need to succeed."

During the 2022-2023 dry season, participating farmers recorded an average yield of 4.93 metric tons of palay per hectare. That number increased to 5.10 metric tons per hectare the following season.

Meanwhile, in the 2024 wet season, 633 hectares were planted and are projected to yield robust harvests, continuing the upward trend.

To date, 54 farmer-cooperative associations with a total of 1,448 members have benefited from the program.

According to OPAg, participating farmers experienced an average income increase of 101.33 percent per hectare, equivalent to an additional P35,030 in net income.

"We no longer need to pawn our properties or take out high-interest loans," said Ramilo Velasquez, president of the BTS Farmers Alliance. "This program has truly changed our lives."

Before PCF, many farmers relied on private lenders charging interest rates of up to five percent over four months.