MISAMIS ORIENTAL (PIA)--The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech) turned over P7.6 million worth of agri-machinery to the Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) in the province to increase farmers' rice production.
Machinery such as four-wheel tractors, walk-behind transplanters, combine harvesters, and destoner were provided to increase productivity, reduce labor cost and increase the income of rice farmers.
Eight agri-machinery were distributed to the 3 qualified FCAs in the province namely; Cogon Farmers Association, Inc. of Balingasag; Gingoog Farmer Irrigators Association, Inc.; and Bal-ason Farmers Producers Cooperative, Inc. both of Gingoog City.
Modernizing Yields. The Department of Agriculture - Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech) turned over P7.6 million worth of agri-machinery to the Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) in the province to increase farmers' rice production as part of its rice modernization program. (DA-10)
Funded from rice tariffs collections through Republic Act No. 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law, which stipulates the creation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), rice mechanization is one of its components from its annual allocation of P10 billion from 2019 to 2024.
DA-PhilMech, Assistant Cluster Head, Mindanao "A", Engr. Ian D. Madjus, disclosed that the farmers will be trained on the proper operation of the machinery.
Further, to ensure the proper operation and functions of the allocated machines, the DA-PhilMech team will be monitoring the utilization of the units every cropping season, plant preparation, and harvesting. (DA-10/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)
