A group of rice farmers in Negros Occidental got a much-needed boost through a P1.35 million worth of farm machinery, equipment and training, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) said.
The assistance to 78 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) aims to improve rice productivity and alleviate the standard of living among farmer beneficiaries of Barangay Salvacion, particularly the Barangay Salvacion Farmers Irrigators Association in Murcia town.
DAR-Negros Occidental North Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Teresita Mabunay said the initiative is part of the major crop-based block farm productivity enhancement project under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS) project of the DAR.
The DAR procured a bio-shredder unit, a hand tractor, and a rubber roll rice mill with a housing facility.
“The farm machinery and equipment will be a great help because it will enhance and sustain the agricultural productivity of our ARBs,” she said.
Mabunay said the farm and machinery equipment would make farming activities much easier and faster, giving farmers more time for other activities and to their families.
She added that a total of P350,000 worth of agri-extension services in the form of technology and technical training were also channeled to the ARBs.
Mabunay said DAR would train at least 50 farmer-beneficiaries on the establishment, care, and management of organic farming systems.
“The farmers will be provided with technology and technical training for them to learn the processes of organic rice production, integrated pest management, organic concoction preparation, and fertilizer production and the operation and maintenance of common service facilities,” Mabunay said.
Barangay Salvacion Farmers Irrigators Association Chairman Narciso Wilfredo expressed his gratitude to the DAR on behalf of their association for exerting all efforts to help the farmers and ARBs.
CRFPS aims to provide agricultural extension services and livelihood support to ARBs for them to have additional income and to develop resilience amid the threats of climate change.