Corn and Cassava Farmers in AgSur and SurSur Avail Farm Mechanization
BUTUAN CITY -- A total of P5.7 million worth of various agricultural machinery and equipment were turned over by the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga to the two farmer associations to further boost the corn and cassava industry in the region.
The Mapulian Farmers Association composed of cassava farmers in Hawilian, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur received the P1.89 million worth of hauling truck .
While Bangsud, Anahaw, Bag-o,
Kinabigtasan Farmers Association (BAKIFA) of Tago, Surigao del Sur received one unit of Combine Harvester, Corn Planter, and Pump and Engine Set worth P3.83 M.
According to Director Delos Reyes, the said interventions were designed
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 fights the crisis that threatens food security in the
country.
"This new equipment will upgrade farming and will produce more corn
and cassava to meet the high demand in food. 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 OneDA 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 appealed.
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 Agustinin Surigao del Sur. (Lovely Joy L. Saludez/DA-Caraga)
