Selected corn farmer associations from different towns in Palawan receive a total of ₱1.71 million worth of farm machinery from the Department of Agriculture (DA) MIMAROPA.
The machinery, which includes 10 pump engines and four hammer mills, was distributed to 14 farmers’ associations during the turnover ceremony held at the DA Palawan Research and Experiment Station (DA-PRES) in Puerto Princesa City on August 26.
DA Palawan said in a report this September that the initiative is part of the Corn and Cassava Program, which aims to strengthen farmers’ capacity in irrigation and corn feed processing, ensuring more efficient production and added value to harvests through local feed processing.
DA Palawan Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Arthiel K. Rodriguez explained that the distribution of machinery is not only meant to improve corn production but also to support the local feed industry.
“Ang mga pangunahing pagkain ng hayop dito sa Palawan ay kadalasang nagmumula pa sa Iloilo at Maynila kaya napakamahal ng halaga ng mga ito. Kung dito mismo sa Palawan makakapag-produce ng feed gamit ang mga makinaryang ipinagkaloob, mababawasan ang gastos at mas makikinabang ang ating mga magsasaka,” Rodriguez said.
Ruben Namia, a beneficiary from Quezon, Palawan, expressed his gratitude for the pump engine received by their association.
“Malaking tulong po sa association namin ang ibinigay ng Department of Agriculture lalo na sa MIMAROPA sa pangunguna ni Atty. Christopher Bañas. Napakahalaga po nitong water pump sapagkat tuwing tag-init, kailangan po namin ng sapat na patubig para sa aming mga tanim na mais,” he said.
The turnover of machinery is part of the DA’s continuing efforts to uplift the livelihood of farmers in Palawan by providing appropriate technology and equipment that will help reduce costs, improve yields, and strengthen food security. (PIA)
