IFAD funds rehab of RP irrigation systems

MANILA, Philippines - The second phase of  the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Rapid Food Production Enhancement Programme (RaFPEP) will help the Department of Agriculture achieve its goal of rehabilitating and developing the country’s neglected irrigation system.

RaFPEP was designed to support the government’s 2009-2013 Rice Self-Sufficiency Plan, a nationwide effort to regain self-sufficiency in rice production and to respond to the rising food price crisis that emerged in 2008.

IFAD had allocated a $15.9 million loan for the program with additional financing of $13.1 million from the European Commission and  $500,000 from the Food and Agricultural Organization.

The total project cost of the RaFPEP is $42.2 million.

The RaFPEP will provide support for securing good quality seed to boost rice production and for rehabilitating and developing irrigation works.

The RaFPEP has two sub-programs that are separate but mutually dependent.

The first program is the the Rapid Seed Supply Financing Project (RaSSFiP) which is being implemented this year, while the second part is the  Irrigated Rice Production Enhancement Project (IRPEP) to be implemented from 2010 to 2015.

The program targets poor paddy farmers and poor irrigators’ associations in various rice-growing areas, with the objective of achieving an increase in paddy production.

The RaSSFiP will focus on acquisition and distribution of certified seeds for the 2009 wet season crop.

IRPEP will work in a longer-term perspective to strengthen irrigation associations and provide production inputs and support services.

It also aims to develop and maintain irrigation and rural infrastructure and  develop marketing and the post-harvest stage of production.

Additionally, the program also hopes to  promote policy dialogue.

The IFAD will directly supervise the program, which is an innovative hybrid that combines emergency assistance with a project for development.