CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–To boost agricultural production and ensure efficiency of farming activities of the 947 rice-growing towns in the country, the Department of Agriculture (DA) allocates P15 billion for farm mechanization program.
During the daily Laging Handa Network Briefing with Communications Sec. Martin Andanar, August 19, DA Sec. William Dar said farm mechanization aims to further increase the productivity and income of the farmers while helping them become agri-preneurs and less dependent on intensive labor in crop production.
Dar also urged the local government units (LGUs) and local chief executives (LCEs) to continue supporting the department in ensuring food security in the country and to increase rice sufficiency level.
He added that DA has already provided numerous relief operations to farmers and he is hoping that the LGUs could implement the programs of DA so that Fillipinos will have enough food supply during this year and beyond.
“We believe we can better fight the pandemic kung meron tayong sapat at nutritious na pagkain (if we have enough and nutritious food),” Dar said.
Among the machines recommended to boost rice production include farm tractors, combine harvester, mobile rice threshers, and mechanical rice transplanter. DA provides technical and capability training for farmer associations that qualifies to avail themselves of farm machineries and equipment from the agency.
Interventions in NorMin
In increasing farm efficiency and attain rice sufficiency through the use of hybrid rice and farm mechanization in Region 10, DA-10 in partnership with Central Mindanao University (CMU) pushes the ceremonial planting for hybrid rice derby.
DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and CMU President Jesus Antonio G. Derije showcased the ceremonial planting using mechanical rice transplanter (riding type) and mechanical direct seeder (riding type), August 17, with the seven participating seed companies.
The 50-hectare rice area will boost rice productivity to attain rice sufficiency through intensified use of quality seeds, appropriate inputs, modern technologies and mechanization to ensure food productivity. (RTP with reports from DA-10/PIA10)