DA-NorMin commits PhP79.9-M worth of agri support, brings Mobile Soil Lab services to Lanao Norte

LANAO DEL NORTE – In support of sustainable agricultural growth and improved farm productivity in Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office-10 (DA-10), through its Rice Program, turned over a certificate of commitment amounting to PhP79,944,738.00 for various agricultural interventions and provided Mobile Soil Laboratory (MSL) services during the 67th Araw ng Lanao del Norte and Agriculture Day celebration on July 1, here.

Rice farmers from 14 towns across the province will benefit from the agricultural interventions, comprising of farm machinery and production inputs aimed at enhancing rice productivity and improving farmers’ livelihood.

To bring soil testing services closer to farmers, DA-10 also deployed its Mobile Soil Laboratory (MSL), which conducted soil sampling and analysis to determine the chemical and physical properties of soil, helping farmers better assess their land’s suitability for crop production while reducing travel time and costs.

Highlighting the agency’s continued support for the agriculture sector, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan said, “Ang DA kanunay nagpadayon sa suporta sa mga mag-uuma ug mangingisda. Kung mahimo karong tuiga, atong ma-montar ang Integrated Coconut Processing Facility nga mokabat og PhP100-200 milyon para matabangan pa atong mga coconut farmers dinhi sa Lanao del Norte.”

Meanwhile, Governor Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo expressed his appreciation for the department’s support to the province and highlighted the need for additional postharvest infrastructure, saying, “Thanks to the DA for helping us in all of our endeavors. We’re very happy to have been the recipient of a very big rice mill. I also hope we can establish a warehouse at the Kapatagan Rice Mill for storing dried palay.”

The event gathered local farmers and fisherfolk, and other stakeholders, with different booths showcasing an array of agri-fishery products from across the province. It also featured activities such as the Hito Grilling Contest and Carabao Painting Contest.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-10, DA’s attached bureau, also distributed 10,000 tilapia fingerlings to local fisherfolk.

Under the “Para sa Magasanang Bagong Pilipinas” vision, this initiative embodies the department’s continuing commitment and partnership with the provincial government in ensuring a food-secure region, while advancing sustainable food production in NorMin. # (DFCQ