The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on Wednesday urged cooperatives to encourage more farmers to join agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) to receive more support.

During the rites for the turnover of farm machinery in Bohol province, DAR Assistant Secretary Virgilio Mendez told the cooperatives to be diligent in increasing their membership.

“The DAR can only provide additional support services to an organization if there is a growing ARB membership that will justify the need to deliver more farm machineries and equipment,” he said in a statement.

Mendez said agrarian reform beneficiaries must ensure proper usage of the distributed equipment for higher productivity.

“We also urge the beneficiaries to establish effective operations of the farm tractor, thresher, and other equipment to help increase the income of their members and their association,” he said.

Mendez led the turnover of PHP1.5 million worth of farm machines to rice and corn farmers, under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project.

These include the 40HP 4-wheel drive tractor, disc plow, and rotary tiller for the Basacan Irrigators Association Inc. of Bayongan and a hand tractor with trailer and mechanical rice thresher for the Corazon San Miguel Farmers Association Inc.

Around 300 rice and corn farmers shall benefit from the mechanized equipment, making farming easier and faster in the province. (PNA)