Farm machineries and equipment, worth a total of P168 million, were distributed to rice farmer cooperatives and associations in Negros Occidental yesterday under the Department of Agriculture’s Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) mechanization program.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and PhilMech director Baldwin Jallorina led the distribution of the projects at the Panaad Park in Bacolod City.
The agricultural machineries distributed include 36 units of four-wheel tractor, 24 rice combine harvesters, 13 units of riding type transplanter, and five walk-behind transplanters.
The project aims to reduce the cost of rice production and postharvest losses that will eventually help the farmers increase their productivity and income.
Negros Occidental Board Member Andrew Montelibano, Sixth District Rep. Genaro Alvarez Jr., Mayor John Rey Tabujara of Cauayan, Mayor Thirdy Marañon of Sagay City, Arjay Venus from the Office of Senator Cynthia Villar, Engr. Albert Barrogo of the Department of Agriculture 6, and Negros Occidental OIC provincial agriculturist Dina Genzola were also present at the activity, a press release from the Capitol said.
The project implementation is through the collaborative effort of the DA, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, DA-RFOs, and the provincial government of Negros Occidental.
The rice farmer-cooperatives and associations that received the machineries are from San Carlos City, Calatrava, Don Salvador Benedicto, Sagay City, Cadiz City, Murcia, Victorias City, Bago City, Valladolid, Pulupandan, San Enrique, Pontevedra, La Carlota City, Hinigaran, Moises Padilla, La Castellana, Isabela, Binalbagan, Himamaylan City, Kabankalan City, Ilog, Cauayan, Sipalay City, Candoni, and Hinobaan.
Lacson thanked the DA and PhilMech for the projects given to Negrense farmers.
He stressed that the agricultural sector plays an important role in recovering from the pandemic, in ensuring strong food value chains, and in promoting a vibrant rural economy.
He also said that it is fair and reasonable to further equip the farmers with projects that will help them in rice production, as they play a major role in food security. | NND
