BUTUAN CITY -- To further boost the corn and cassava industry in Caraga region, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga has turned-over a total of PhP5.7 million worth of various agricultural machinery and equipment to the two farmer associations in the region.

During the visit of DA’s National Corn Program Director Milo Delos Reyes on June 27-30, 2022, he spearheaded the turnover of four agricultural machineries.

The Mapulian Farmers Association composed of cassava farmers in Hawilian, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur received the PhP1.89 million worth of hauling truck. The Bangsud, Anahaw, Bag-o, Kinabigtasan Farmers Association (BAKIFA) of Tago, Surigao del Sur also received one unit of Combine Harvester, Corn Planter, and Pump and Engine Set worth PhP3.83 million.

According to Director Delos Reyes, the said interventions aim to help the farmers cope with the challenges in the agricultural sector not just in the region but in the whole country as well.

He emphasized the importance of regenerative agriculture, an approach that leads to better, more resilient crops grown through sustainable methods, and, at the same time fight the crisis that threatens food security in the country.

"With this new equipment, we continue to improve in farming and produce more to cover the high demand in crops. As you may have more crops grown, and start to reap the fruit of your labor, don’t ever forget the environment, practice regenerative agriculture," he said.

Delos Reyes urged the farmers' association to strive more and never stop tilling their land since government agencies are closely assisting them.

With the One DA Reform Agenda, DA commits to assist the farmers to increase production through the mechanization program and other programs and projects the farmers may avail.

“Optimize the use of the equipment given by our government, follow the recommended operation and maintenance procedure to make it serviceable in the longest possible time,” Rebecca Reyes Atega, DA-Caraga’s regional technical director for operations said.

Meanwhile, beneficiaries of the farm machinery were grateful to the government for the equipment they received.

"Our association is grateful for the new machinery. It is our long dream to have this kind of equipment but now it has been realized through the DA. It is a big help for our livelihood to ease and expedite our work, lessen our expenses, and earn more,” Richard Virtudazo, BAKIFA chairperson, said.

Director Delos Reyes also visited farms and projects on corn, cassava and soybeans in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur; Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte; and Tago and San Agustin in  Surigao del Sur. (Lovely Joy L. Saludez, DA-Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Sur)