The City of Kabankalan in Negros Occidental has granted a PHP10-million fertilizer assistance to rice farmers to ensure food security in the southern locality amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Mayor Pedro Zayco Jr. said that since agriculture production is the main source of consumption needs, it is important to support the farmers through the “50:50 scheme fertilizer subsidy”.

“This program will provide farmers increased income and will improve growth rate yield,” Zayco said in a statement on Wednesday.

The program was launched at the city’s demo farm in Barangay Hilamonan on Tuesday.

According to the City Agriculture Office headed by officer-in-charge Ricky Muscosa, the program will benefit 72 farmers’ associations.

Under the program, the fertilizers will be released based on a 50:50 scheme.

Farmers will pay only 50 percent of the market price of 14-14-14 fertilizer, while the other 50 percent will be shouldered by the city government.

A total of 3,571 sacks will be allotted to the first batch of farmers while 4,237 sacks to the second batch.

The CAO will assign rice technicians to the various barangays to ensure proper distribution of the fertilizer supply. (PNA)