The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has approved a P21-million financial package to increase production of abaca fibers and boost the income of abaca farmers in Agusan del Norte.
In a statement, the DAR said 847 agrarian-reform beneficiaries (ARBs) will benefit from the project through a partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (Ifad), called Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment Project (Converge).
Ifad Project Managing Consultant Gomer G. Tumbali said the project’s primary goal is to increase agricultural productivity of abaca farmers and promote their welfare and development.
“The project is expected to reduce poverty incidence by engaging the farmer groups in value chain-based agricultural processes for abaca production in the area,” Tumbali said.
The fund recipients are farmers belonging to 21 peoples’ organizations (POs) and one cooperative identified as San Isidro Upland Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative.
DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Andre B. Atega said the fund will be utilized to enhance the production of farmers in 700 hectares of abaca plantation in the municipalities of Tubay, Jabonga, Kitcharao and Santiago.
“It [the fund] would be used to purchase 27 units of portable abaca stripping machines and a 10-wheeler hauling truck for the farmers,” Atega added.
Atega said the DAR is now processing the documents for the procurement of the stripping machines and the hauling truck.
While waiting for the farm machines, the DAR also partnered with the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority to help train the farmers in abaca production.
“At present, the farmers are undergoing various training on strengthening their cooperatives and modern farming technologies in abaca production,” Atega said.