Eastern Samar Rice Derby Showcases Modern Farming Tech for Increased Yields

TACLOBAN CITY — More than 200 farmers in Eastern Samar are testing modern rice production technologies across 150 hectares of farmland in what the Department of Agriculture (DA) hopes will become a model for increasing yields, lowering production costs, and strengthening the province’s food security. According to the regional office of the Department of Agriculture, the initiative, referred to as a “rice derby,” is being implemented to showcase the potential of adopting advanced farming methods among local smallholder farmers. The DA’s initiative aims to boost the province’s rice production capacity, a critical component of national food security, especially in the face of climate change and growing demand. The program is expected to serve as a blueprint for other provinces seeking to enhance their agricultural output and resilience.