In a promising development for the Caraga region, rice production saw a significant uptick in 2024, as announced by the Department of Agriculture in Caraga (DA-13) from Butuan City. The region’s rice yield climbed to 574,093 metric tons, marking an increase from the 531,431 metric tons recorded in the previous year. This growth is credited to the adoption of advanced agricultural inputs such as hybrid seeds, superior inbred seeds, fertilizers, and soil conditioners.
Alongside rice, corn production also experienced growth, reaching 138,614 metric tons in 2024, up from 134,471 metric tons in 2023. The productivity per hectare for rice improved to 3.48 metric tons from 3.33 metric tons, while corn productivity rose to 3.83 metric tons from 3.64 metric tons.
In the livestock sector, only swine production showed an increase, with numbers rising to 112,237 heads from 107,071 in 2023. However, production of carabaos, cattle, and goats declined, attributed to adverse weather conditions. On a positive note, chicken production soared to 2,845,057 heads, a significant jump from 2,172,109 heads the previous year.
Looking ahead, DA-13 Regional Director Arlan Mangelen revealed that the agency has allocated PHP2.5 billion to bolster farmer support in 2025. Mangelen emphasized the importance of strategic program implementation to drive agricultural progress. In 2024, DA-13 extended assistance to 59,761 farmers and 1,332 farmers’ groups, showcasing a commitment to enhancing the region’s agricultural landscape.