BANGA, SOUTH COTABATO- Under the program of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), 26 farmers’ associations and cooperatives in South Cotabato have been the beneficiaries of a national initiative, receiving a combined total of 65.4 million pesos worth of agricultural machinery at Demonstration Farm, Banga.
Since 2019, a remarkable 225.7 million pesos has been allocated to empower our agricultural sector, thanks to the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Component. This injection of funds underscores a concerted effort to modernize farming practices and enhance productivity in the region.
The distributed machinery includes essential farming implements such as Hand Tractors, Floating Tillers, Four-wheel Tractors, Precision Seeders, Riding-type Transplanters, Combine Harvesters, Recirculating Dryers, and Mobile Rice Mills, aiming to bolster efficiency and output in agricultural activities.
Furthermore, as part of Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr.’s program in the province, farmers are given complimentary support and services, including free tractors, rotavators, fertilizers, and various other resources. This comprehensive support package aims to alleviate the financial burden on farmers and empower them to optimize their farming operations.
This initiative, fueled by the tariff imposed under the Rice Tariffication Law, reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to modernizing farming practices and strengthening the agriculture sector in the province. By prioritizing the provision of essential equipment and support services, the government aims to enhance production levels and improve the livelihoods of local farmers, thereby fostering sustainable agricultural development in the region.
