COTABATO CITY—A total of 38 cooperatives and associations of farmers and fisherfolks from various towns of Maguindanao del Sur and del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Special Geographic Area (SGA) in North Cotabato, including Cotabato City, received Php8.1-million worth of farm equipment from the Bangsamoro Government.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) led the ceremonial turn-over and distribution of farm machinery on Thursday, Oct. 13 at MAFAR-Integrated Agricultural Research Center (BARMMIARC), Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte.
The distributed farm machineries include 6 units of floating tillers, 7 units of rice transplanters, 7 units of hand tractors, 6 units of rice thresher, 6 units of corn shellers, and 6 units of corn mill.
“This activity aims to increase the level of mechanization and lessen the production losses among our farmers,” said OIC Chief of Agriculture Operation Baharen Piang.
Moreover, the distribution of farm machineries intends to help farmers upgrade and ease their farming activities which corresponds to the primary purpose of the ministry on uplifting the lives of client farmers.
“With this activity, we are hoping that your production cost will be lessened as well as your farming activities will be easier for you and later achieved high yield production,” Director II for Agriculture Services Engr. Ismail Guiamel said.
Meanwhile, MAFAR-Maguindanao Provincial Director Dr. Ronjamin Maulana reminded all the beneficiaries to become accountable for the project and be the MAFAR’s partners in food sustainability.
“We will closely monitor this project because we want it to serve its purpose,” he stressed.
All of the beneficiaries extended their appreciation to the Government of the Day for providing agriculture machinery, apart from technical support, to increase their farm production. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO)
