E-wallets tapped in distribution of P22.9 billion farmer subsidies

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has allowed the use of e-wallets in the distribution of P22.9 billion in subsidies to farmers.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Memorandum Order No. 8 on the implementing rules on how to utilize the P22.903-billion financial assistance intended for hybrid seeds, inorganic fertilizer, biofertilizer, ameliorants and use of drone technology in agriculture through discount vouchers and e-wallets such as interventions monitoring card or IMC.?

Peasant group Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) welcomed the move, saying beneficiaries now have an option in buying inputs.

“They are trying to integrate the distribution system for various support programs like seeds and fertilizer that are being carried out by different agencies and there is a move away from physical distribution and towards vouchers and e-wallets which farmers can use to directly buy inputs from accredited dealers,” FFF national manager Raul Montemayor told The STAR.?

Montemayor said that farmers would be given electronic cash credits, which they can use to buy inputs of their choice.

“I believe this is the right direction. Eventually, less prone to corruption, less burdensome on the DA, easier for farmers to avail and it will force dealers to provide better service in order to convince farmers to buy from them,” Montemayor said.

He said there is a need to update Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) so that the DA will have a complete list of farmers and will be able to track what types of support each farmer can get and has been able to get.?

Under MO 8, only farmers registered under the RSBSA will be eligible to receive support for up to 10 hectares, while farmers in non-clustered areas may receive up to five hectares only.

?Laurel said hybrid seed varieties must have undergone field trials technology demonstration and produced a yield of at least five metric tons per hectare or at least one hectare higher than inbred seeds.?

“A bag of 15 kilograms to 18 kilograms per hectare shall be procured and distributed to farmer-beneficiaries,” Laurel added.