Farmers in Camalig, Albay expect an increase in their production after receiving agricultural machinery on Thursday.

Four farmers’ associations and one barangay in the town got hand tractors as part of the agriculture development program of the local government unit (LGU).

Camalig Mayor Carlos Irwin Baldo Jr. led the distribution of the farm equipment to the beneficiaries at Nuyda Park in Barangay 2.

The recipients of the hand tractors were the Cotmon Farmers Association, Taladong Rich Farmers Association, Taplacon Barangay Council, and the Bariw and Baligang Integrated Farmers Association.

Baldo said the LGU of Camalig, through the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), acquired the hand tractors from the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization’s (PhilMech) Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) program.

“This initiative reflects the government’s support for our farmers, making it easier for them to farm, mix the soil, and level their fields,” he said.

Baldo said providing the farm machinery acknowledges the sacrifices and efforts of the farmers to ensure that residents of Camalig have food on their tables.

“The distribution aims to enhance the labor of our town’s farmers by offering hand tractors, which are effective for plowing, harrowing, and leveling fields,” he added.

Each association-beneficiary has 40 to 90 members. (PNA)