The Department of Agriculture in Caraga Region (DA-13) released on Wednesday several farm equipment worth PHP42.3 million to various rice farmers’ cooperatives and associations in Agusan del Norte.

DA-13 executive director Abel James Monteagudo and Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) director Baldwin Jallorina led the turnover of 13 four-wheel tractors, 11 hand tractors, 18 floating tillers, six rice-combine harvesters, two walk-behind transplanters, three riding-type transplanters, and a precision seeder.

In his message, Monteagudo said the DA continues to deliver the appropriate agricultural engineering technology to the rice farmers in Caraga.

“You are now receiving the fruit of the implementation of Rice Tariffication Law. The rice tariff revenues are allocated to programs that will raise the productivity, profitability, and global competitiveness of the rice farmers in Caraga Region,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jallorina emphasized the importance of mechanization in rice farming, saying it will “ease the drudgery in rice production,” from land preparation to harvesting.

“We are encouraging our FCAs to make use of the interventions that they receive from the DA. The recipients should ensure the safety of the equipment while in their custody and optimize its utilization,” he added.

Among the beneficiaries was the group of Nicolas N. Licuna, president of Sayadion-Cuyago Irrigators Association Inc., based in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte.

Licuna’s group received PHP4.9 million worth of farm equipment consisting of a four-wheel tractor, three floating tillers, a riding-type rice transplanter, and a rice combine harvester.

“We are grateful for the support that we received from the government. This could reduce our rice production cost and improve the quality of our produce. This will serve the 85 hectares of rice area of our members, and we can also extend our services to the nearby barangays,” Licuna said. (PNA)