The City Agriculturist Office (CAgrO) in Davao City has urged farmers to obtain and renew their plant insurance to mitigate financial risks from natural disasters. This initiative aims to protect agricultural livelihoods from the unpredictable effects of climate-related and other natural events.
Bing Almador, the focal person for CAgrO, outlined the eligibility criteria for crop insurance, stating that farmers with at least a quarter of a hectare of land, 25 trees, and a maximum of seven hectares of farmland can apply. However, a key prerequisite is registration with the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).
“Registration with the RSBSA is a one-time process, but it needs periodic updates, especially if farmers are growing new crops,” Almador said. She emphasized that the registration is free and encouraged farmers to prioritize the process. “Free na siya, ang imoha lang gyud is mugahin lang gyud ang farmer og panahon para mu-apply (It’s free, all you have to do is spare time to apply),” she added.
Coverage and Benefits
High-value crops, such as coffee, cacao, cashew, guyabano, papaya, and mango, can be insured and renewed annually. Short-term crops like rice and corn must be insured upon planting or within ten days of planting.
Almador highlighted the importance of crop insurance, particularly during natural disasters. “It helps farmers avoid financial losses and sustain their operations despite challenges,” she said. The maximum insurance payout is P20,000 per hectare, with computations based on the area’s size, extent of damage, and plant age.
Application Process
Farmers can apply for insurance at their respective district offices of the City Agriculturist Office or the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) – Regional Office XI. Almador urged farmers to take advantage of the program, citing its potential to secure their income and enhance the resilience of their farming businesses.
Call to Action
With the increasing frequency of natural disasters, the CAgrO’s call for farmers to register and insure their crops is a proactive step towards agricultural sustainability. Farmers are encouraged to act promptly to ensure their crops’ protection and secure their livelihoods.
