To boost the rice and corn farming in Paracelis, Mountain Province, the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera turned over P6.1 million worth of machinery to 16 corn and rice farmers cooperatives and associations (FCA) in Barangay Palitud on Oct. 12.
The machineries are four units four-wheel drive tractors and 13 units pump and engine sets.
Through appropriate usage and maintenance, it is hoped that the economic condition of the communities will be uplifted.
The machineries are projected to increase production and significantly decrease the cost of labor especially for labor-intensive crops like rice and corn.
During the turnover ceremony, DA-CAR Executive Director Cameron P. Odsey and Engr. Filemon Salvador, Regional Agricultural Engineering Division chief, reminded the beneficiaries about their counterpart in the project as contained in their memorandum of agreement with the agency.
In response, recipient Julio Nasilib expressed his gratitude to the agency.
“I am very happy and thankful because this tractor can reduce our dependency on labor and will improve the quality of our lives. This will also substitute animal power, especially for carabaos,” he said.
Marcelo Ambatali, another recipient, encouraged the other farmers to participate in trainings and other activities for the farmers. He thanked the agency for granting their request.
Representatives from the provincial and municipal agricultural offices, and other officials were present during the turnover. – Press release
