Sumilao farmer association gains mechanization boost with DA-granted farm tractor
SUMILAO, BUKIDNON — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) officially turned over a four-wheel-drive farm tractor to the Sumilao Progressive Farmers Association (SPFA) on August 28 in Brgy. Kisolon, this town.
Funded through the Corn Program’s Agriculture Machinery, Equipment, and Facilities Support Services (AMEFSS), the unit is poised to reduce manual labor and enhance the overall farming operations of the SPFA through mechanization.
The PhP2.9-million tractor will serve the association’s 288 hectares (ha) of corn, 288 ha of cassava, and 1,000 ha of expansion areas.
In an interview, SPFA Chairperson Manuel C. Noval said the tractor will ease their farming struggles, especially during rainy seasons.
“Pareha ani karun, gaharvest nami og cassava ug corn pero maglisod mi og sulod sa amoang area tungod sa ulan. Kung magrenta pod mi sa commercial tractors kay mahal ug dili sila magpautang. Usahay mas unahon gyud to ang ilahang mga suki ilabina katong nakakontrata. Busa dako gyud kaayo ni nga tabang sa amoa sa paghaul sa amoang mga harvest”.
(Like now, we are harvesting cassava and corn, but we can hardly access our production areas for transport due to the rain. Also, renting commercial tractors charges high rental rates with no credit arrangement offers. And sometimes, these commercial tractor operators prioritize their regular clients, particularly those with contracts. That’s why this tractor is really a big help for us in hauling our harvests.)
Having long aspired to own a farm tractor, the association assured the repair and maintenance of the unit to ensure its long-term use among its members and for the community.
“Unlike sauna, karon kami na gyud ang magmanage ani nga tractor ilabina sa pagschedule ani sa paggamit. Busa kami magasaad nga we have to take care of this tractor. We have to see to it nga well-maintained gyud ang unit para makaserve siya sa amoa every time gamiton.”
(Unlike before, we now have full control in managing this tractor, which allows us to properly schedule its use for our members. We are committed to taking care of it and ensuring that it is well-maintained so it can serve us every time we need it.)
The said farm tractor is equipped with a disc harrow, disc plow, and a 5-ton capacity trailer to allow the association to maximize their land preparation and facilitate the transport of farm inputs and produce.
“Busa dako gyud among pasalamat kay Presidente Ferdinand [R.] Marcos Jr. kay dako kaayo siya’g tabang sa mga farmers sama namo sa iyang pagpanghatag ug ayuda sama niini. Ang importante lang gyud nga ang association kay ready sa mga requirements kay I know nga motabang gyud ang DA.”
(The SPFA is truly grateful to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his support to farmers like us, particularly through this farm tractor. That is why associations should have the necessary requirements, because we know firsthand that the DA is always ready to help.)
In her message, DA-10’s Provincial Operations Center (POC) Chief for Bukidnon Janet D. Lopez, DVM encouraged farmer groups to be more proactive in availing government support.
“The DA is ready to extend support to associations that need agricultural equipment, services, and support, provided that they are qualified and they submit a letter of intent,” she said.
The agri chief official also underscored the importance to comply with the necessary requirements and to exercise patience, as all assistance is released only after undergoing due process.
“We encourage our farmer groups to understand that receiving such aid takes time since it undergoes the proper procedures, but rest assured that the support will come.”
Interested Farmers’ Cooperatives, Associations (FCAs) may submit their letter of intent(s) through their respective POCs or directly at DA-10’s regional field offices in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and El Salvador.
Aligned with the current administration’s “Masaganang Agrikultura, Maunlad na Ekonomiya, Para sa Bagong Pilipinas” campaign to make the agricultural sector in the country a profitable industry, the DA-10 continues to broaden its efforts to help farmers and fisherfolk develop efficient logistic systems and scale up farming operations through mechanization and modernization.
Another 20 4WD Farm Tractors under the 2025 budget are set to be distributed by DA-10 to FCAs and local government units regionwide.# (BJCE)
