The city government distributed six Japan-made farm tractors worth PHP19.2 million on Monday to enhance agricultural productivity and support local farmers.

Mayor John Dalipe led the turnover of the tractors to the Office of the City Agriculturist (OCA), which would oversee their use.

“The purchase of these tractors is part of our program to mechanize the local agriculture sector,” Dalipe said in an interview.

The equipment was funded under the city’s 2024 agriculture budget.

City Agriculturist Arben Magdugo said the tractors would be allocated to the city’s six agricultural districts: Ayala, Tumaga, Culianan, Manicahan, Curuan, and Vitali, which cover 98 barangays.

“These tractors will augment our existing agricultural machinery in the six districts,” Magdugo said, noting that each district will receive two units.

Farmers wishing to use the tractors must pay PHP1,800 per hectare, as stipulated in a city ordinance, and provide 40 liters of diesel required to plow one hectare of farmland.

“Farmers can visit the agricultural field office to access the tractors on a first-come, first-served basis,” Magdugo added. OCA operators will handle the machinery to ensure proper use.

Magdugo also announced that additional farming equipment, including 24 walk-behind transplanters, 48 power tillers, two combined harvesters, and 127 water pumps, will soon be delivered to further support local agriculture. (PNA)