SOME 13,609 farmer-members belonging to 109 agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) in Pangasinan and other provinces in Region 1 received agricultural equipment worth P42.4 million from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to increase their farm productivity and profitability skills.

DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III led the turnover of farm machinery and equipment (FMEs) on June 12 held at the Provincial Training and Development Center in Lingayen as he emphasized the importance of adopting modern machinery and advanced technology to spark productivity and increase income of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

Estrella said the farm machines were given as “equipment grant,” that must be managed by the ARBOs as business assets where user fees would be collected and utilized for the operation and maintenance of the farm equipment.

“Through this scheme, the organizations will be empowered to make their organizations grow by engaging into agri-business enterprises,” Estrella said.

He also encouraged the members of ARBOs to be diligent in convincing farmers, especially ARBs to become members of farm cooperatives to increase its membership because DAR can only provide additional support services to a growing ARB membership.

DAR Ilocos Regional Director Maria Ana Francisco said the provision of farm machines were implemented through the agency’s Sustainable and Resilient Agrarian Reform Communities project.

The beneficiaries received: 10 tractors, 90 brush cutters, 26 hand tractors, 10 hauling trucks, 144 knapsack sprayers, 22 tiller/cultivators, 1 refrigerated van, 8 rice reapers and 100 water pumps.  (Eva Visperas)

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments