DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, August 9 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) here has turned over a spring development project worth P700,000 to farmer-members of Balugo Farmers Association in Sibulan town.

Under its high value crop development program (HVCDP), the DA has addressed the problem on water irrigation for farmlands within Brgy. Balugo.

Officer in Charge Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer (APCO) Bernard Limbaga said this project will increase the production of vegetable in the areas.

Limbaga said water is one of the major components in farming but lack of water supply in the area will result in less production.

"We have seen the potential of the barangay in growing vegetables, but the problem was the supply of water for irrigation. With this, the DA endorsed this project for funding support to help optimize crop production," said Limbaga.

Gigi Conaliban, who is a member of the association, shared that he has been planting vegetables for 30 years already.

The lack of water supply in their barangay was a struggle in their vegetable areas, hence, they (farmers) only water their plants every other day resulting in less production.

"We are inspired to continue planting and expand more areas. The spring project will help increase our production, hoping it will give better harvest and income," said Conaliban.

Balugo Brgy. Captain Teogenes Banaybanay has extended their gratitude for the project given to their barangay.

He said that not only the association but also the consumers will benefit from the project as more vegetables will be produced, giving enough food supply in the barangay. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental)