Photo from MAFAR
COTABATO CITY—To optimize farmers in cultivating healthy crops and produce higher yields, BARMM’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) provided more farming machinery and agri-inputs to Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (MILF-BIAF) farmers in Lanao del Sur.
On July 17-18, local farmers from the Brgy. Dilausan, Ditsaan-Ramain, who belong to MILF-BIAF communities, benefited from the provision of said farming inputs as part of the Government of the Day’s intervention to acknowledge their significant role in Bangsamoro history.
Provincial Chief Agriculturist, Engr. Abdulgaphar Sansarona, expressed his gratitude for the realization and success of the project which will directly benefit the region’s agricultural productivity.
“This support has a great positive impact on local farmers and the potential to boost the region’s agricultural landscape,” Sansarona said.
Among the agri-inputs distributed were 80 bags of high-quality inbred palay seeds, 400 bags of Urea (46-0-0), 150 bags of Complete Fertilizers, 80 bottles of insecticides, and 80 bottles of herbicides to ensure that farmers can effectively combat pests and protect their crops.
Aside from agri-inputs, MAFAR also distributed farm machinery and tools which include 20 pieces of knapsack sprayers, 5 units of hand tractors, 2 units of mobile rice mills, 2 units of rice transplanters, 1 unit of a drop side truck, and 2 units of floating tillers to revolutionize farming practice in the region; thus, enabling farmers to be more efficient and productive.
Meanwhile, Special Development Fund (SDF) Project Management Officer (PMO) Norhan Hadji Abdullah featured the significance of the project as it specifically targeted the MILF combatants who have made immense sacrifices while establishing the BARMM region.
“This project underlines the ministry’s commitment to inclusivity, recognizing the contributions of all members of society and leaving no one left behind,” Abdullah emphasized.
The inspectorate team from the MAFAR, the Municipal Officer of Ramain, the Provincial Focal Person for Special Concerns, and other relevant officials were also present at the distribution ceremony. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO with reports from MAFAR)