IN a bid to bolster local vegetable farming, Bayer Crop Science Philippines has teamed up with Jardine Distribution, CPMI (CARD Pioneer Microinsurance Inc.), and the international climate and agriculture risk management firm WRMS to introduce a weather-based insurance pilot program. This initiative aims to assist farmers in rebounding from adverse weather conditions by providing replacement seeds.
Under this scheme, farmers purchasing Bayer Seminis seeds from accredited partner agrisupply stores receive seed insurance. They are issued a receipt detailing replacement options triggered by specified weather conditions and receive SMS confirmation of insurance coverage approximately a week after purchase. In the event of adverse weather, individual losses are assessed based on severity, and replacement seed packets are prepared for dispatch to the affected farmer. The farmer is then notified via SMS about the availability of replacement seed packets, which can be collected from the store of purchase or at the site.
Since its launch in August 2023, the pilot program has attracted 929 farmers, with coverage commencing on September 1, 2023. To date, no farmers have redeemed replacement seeds, as no triggering adverse weather events have occurred in the covered areas, including farming communities in Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Iloilo, Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Misamis Oriental, and Bukidnon.
Iiinas Ivan Lao, country commercial lead at Bayer CropScience Philippines, stated, “At Bayer, our aim is to provide innovative agricultural solutions that meet the unique needs of smallholder farmers, improving their income and livelihoods sustainably. Through our partnership and the combination of Seminis seeds with micro weather-based insurance, we empower Filipino farmers to produce high-quality, nutritious vegetables despite extreme weather conditions, aligning with Bayer’s mission: Health for All, Hunger for None.”
Jeston Tanacio, a farmer from Balili, Mankayan, Benguet, praised the program for providing reassurance to farmers, enabling them to replant earlier and recover more effectively from losses caused by typhoons.
Mukesh Kumar, business lead SEAP vegetable seeds at Vegetables by Bayer, emphasized the importance of the weather-based insurance program in supporting vegetable farmers facing climatic challenges in the Philippines.
Stakeholders view this initiative as a significant step toward protecting Filipino farmers from the adverse impacts of climate change.
To further enhance yield potential, Bayer Crop Science Philippines and local distributor Jardine Distribution have launched the Bayer Seminis Center of Excellence in Barangay Porais, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija. Serving as a demo farm, the center showcases popular Seminis hybrid varieties and provides a venue for farmers to learn about Seminis vegetable seeds and innovative crop protection solutions.
Roberto Maon, a farmer from Barangay Upper First, San Jose City, attested to the increased yield and durability of produce from Seminis seeds, making it easier for him to transport his harvest to distant markets and secure fair prices.
