COTABATO CITY August (PIA)-- Agrarian Reform beneficiaries (ARBs) will now have more options in availing the Bangsamoro government’s programs and services after the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) conducted information caravan in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, August 12.

The caravan, according to MAFAR, aims to inform ARBs and other stakeholders on what programs and services they can avail to have sustainable farming and agribusiness practices. ARBs are recipients of land titles awarded by the Bangsamoro government.

Though printed campaign materials and participatory discussion, programs and services introduced to ARBs include rice seed distribution, Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) registration, and MAFARlengke program.

MAFARlengke is a Bangasamoro government initiative to consolidate agri-fishery products making it more accessible, available and affordable to consumers and to help the farmers link their products to possible buyers at a reasonable price.

With 50 beneficiaries during the event, MAFAR Minister Mohammad S. Yacob reminded the new land owners to properly cultivate and manage it for agricultural purposes.

“I ask you to take good care of it. You are gathered here so MAFAR can provide you the correct information that can help with your farming activities,” Yacod said.

In addition to the information drive, Minister Yacob also led the distribution of agricultural production assistance to the agrarian reform beneficiaries with 200 rambutan and 200 durian seedlings.

The next stop of this caravan will be in General Salipada K. Pendatun, Maguindanao and Wao, Lanao del Sur.

Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer Jarratul Rajid explained that their team is conducting a profiling mission among ARBs during the caravan to measure farmer's economic status following the awarding of lands. 

“This is also in support of MAFAR’s effort to come up with ARB identification cards to strengthen their legal personalities,” she added.

Rajid said the activity aims to reach farmers living in distant places to feel government's presence through the delivery of agrarian reform services. (Allan Biwang Jr. /with reports from MAFAR)