Decision-making process among rice farmers in the province of Laguna [Philippines]

The Grain Production Enhancement Program (GPEP) was used as reference government rice program in analyzing the processes the farmers make decision. The program was implemented in 1993. It launched the certified seed subsidy scheme. Joining the GPEP entitles the farmer to a free one bag of certified seed for every hectare of farm land. Transportation fee in hauling the seeds are shouldered by the farmers. Also, attendance of the farmers in a seminar on the certified seeds is a requirement of the program before seeds could be released to farmer-participants. Due to limited financial resources, the farmers significantly considered the provision of free production inputs as a criterion in planning a good rice program. This could be a carry-on effect of the previous rice programs implemented by the DA which offered seeds and fertilizers as subsidies. Likewise, the GPEP requires no cash-out from farmers and the use of certified seeds promises an increase in rice production. Based on this scenario, the provision of free seeds was considered highly beneficial since lesser capital was needed for the planting season. The money intended for seeds could be utilized for their own domestic needs. However, due to past experiences with previous rice programs, farmers also cited the provision of certified seeds as a probable cost. Farmers are skeptical that seeds may not be delivered on time and may be of poor quality. Because of these apprehensions, they are worried that their production output will be greatly affected. In weighing the costs, the benefits, farmers assigned a higher probability that seeds will be given free. Although most farmers are non risk-takers, farmers did not consider this much part of the cost even though there is a possibility that the availability of seeds could be delayed or of poor quality. Some farmers encountered decisional conflicts but this was outweighed by a reduction in expenses on the part of the farmer during the planting season. In effect, a number of farmers made an outright decision to participate in the GPEP