The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) announced on Monday the turnover of P6.3 million worth of farm machines and equipment to 10 farmers’ organizations in Camarines Sur.
The distribution of farm machines and equipment to the farmers is expected to improve the quality of crops, prevent post-harvest losses and increase the production of rice and vegetables in the province.
“We want to uplift their economic lives by increasing their agricultural production and household income. That’s why these farm inputs are being provided to enhance the support systems of our agrarian reform beneficiaries,” DAR Secretary John Castriciones said in a news statement.
The cooperatives include the Magsaysay Planters Association, Sta. Cruz Farmers & Farmworkers Association, Balaton Farmers & Fisherfolks Organization, Dominanao Silverio Estate Irrigators Association, Hibago Farmers Irrigators Association, Pagiriba kan mga Paraoma asin Parasira kan Haponan, Bagong Sirang Farmers’ Co-operative, Siembre ARBs Assoc., Vegetable Growers Association of Tigaon, and Pag-asa Farmers and Farmworkers Association.
These organizations will be operating and maintaining common service facilities, which include five solar-powered irrigation systems, a hauling truck, tractor with rotavator, a hand tractor, a corn sheller, a rice thresher, and two tilling machines.
Ruth Bermillo, president of the Pag-asa Farmers and Farmworkers Association thanked the DAR and President Duterte for the support to their organization and other farmers in the area.