NorMin farmers get over PhP140-M farm mechanization aid under RCEF

 

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – Fifty-three (53) farmers’ associations, cooperatives (FCAs) across the provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte and Misamis Oriental received over PhP140-million (M) worth of pre- and post-harvest farm machinery through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Component, Wednesday, October 2, here.

The intervention which include 5-unit four-wheel tractor tier II, 25-unit four-wheel tractor tier III, 16-unit rice combine harvester tier II, 11-unit rice combine harvester tier II (FDS), 18-unit village type rice mill, and 3-unit precision rice seeder were turned over to the recipients in a ceremony attended by Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque, along with other local chief executives, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, and DA-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PHilMech) Mindanao A Cluster Head, Engr. Edgar B. Testa.

Implemented by the DA-PHilMech, the RCEF mechanization component is funded under the Rice Tariffication Law, and is designed to provide rice farmers farm machinery and equipment grants to reduce rice production cost and increase rice farmers’ productivity and profitability.

This initiative resonates with the government’s thrust to scale up the local agriculture competitiveness by providing farmers the access to advanced rice farming technology.

The farm mechanization grant is seen to scale up rice production in an aggregate of 67,621 hectares physical rice area in Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte and Misamis Oriental. # (ATT/ Photo credits: DA-10 Rice Program)