Libertad farmers receive farm machinery costing P416K from DA-SAAD 10.

 

MISAMIS ORIENTAL – With its commitment to assist its beneficiaries with sustainability efforts through providing accessible farm technology resources, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 handed over P416,000 worth of farm machinery to 25 farmers from Libertad, Misamis Oriental on May 3, 2023.

The recipient farmer-beneficiaries are members of the Pugaan-Tangkub Vegetables Farmers’ Association, cultivating an estimated land area of 16 hectares (ha) for vegetable and root crop production.

They received two hand tractors with complete accessories amounting to P208,000 each.

On May 23, 2023, the DA’s Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED) conducted the inspection and testing of the machinery, while an expert from the supplier of the hand tractors trained two members of the said farmer association on the operation and maintenance of the equipment.

Pugaan-Tangkub Vegetables Farmers’ Association is among the farmers’ associations identified by the SAAD Program for its phase 2 implementation in Misamis Oriental.

Based on the Beneficiary Needs Assessment (BNA) conducted by the SAAD Normin Area Coordinators, the Program identified Vegetable Production as one of the proposed projects for the Pugaan-Tangkub Vegetables Farmers’ Association as the group’s members have farming experience, which could contribute to the project’s efficiency and success.

Apart from cultivating vegetables, the members also engage in livestock raising and tobacco production. To address agri-related concerns and promote sustainable agriculture, the said farmer association considers other practices, such as crop diversification, and adopting modern technologies.

Moreover, they aim for continuous education and training on best agricultural practices which can help improve their productivity, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance the livelihood of the farmers.

Currently, the hand tractors are the only machinery provided by the SAAD Program to its farmer-beneficiaries in Libertad, Misamis Oriental under Phase 2.

The rest of the agri-inputs will be provided by the end of the second quarter and during the third quarter of 2023.#