DA to give P5,000 cash aid to 600,000 rice farmers this week

Around 600,000 rice farmers will receive a P5,000 cash assistance this week from the Department of Agriculture (DA) to help them cope with the enhanced community quarantine.

The Financial Subsidy to Rice Farmers (FSRF) program aims to aid small rice farmers who cultivate one hectare or less and are not included in the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) program.

Secretary William Dar stated that the P5,000 cash transfer can be used by farmers for farm inputs, food, or other essential needs.

The P3-billion FSRF program is funded under the 2020 General Appropriations Act and is an additional measure to support farmers affected by the quarantine.

The DA, in partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines, will commence the distribution of the subsidy this week.

This initiative is separate from the earlier distribution of P5,000 to another 600,000 farmers under the RFFA program who till up to two hectares.

The DA also committed to continuing support through other programs like the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, Sure Aid loan assistance, and palay buying by the National Food Authority.