WESTERN VISAYAS, January 29, 2024 – In its pursuit of advancing farm mechanization within its operational areas, the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program in Western Visayas awarded 25 machineries to 11 farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) venturing into corn, high-value crops, and poultry production (Table 1).
As several developments are being carried out in the production sector, enhancing the efficiency of farming in areas with much-needed support is urgently required. Sustainable agricultural mechanization is a crucial input for crop production. Giving small farmers access to appropriate machinery would impact land productivity and likewise leverage their productivity given its potential to render postharvest, processing, and marketing activities.Table 1. Farm Machinery and Equipment awarded to 11 FAs
|
Name of Beneficiary |
Agricultural Equipment Received | Intervention Cost (Php) |
FY 2023 Project Package |
| San Lorenzo South Corn and Cassava FA | 2 units collapsible dryer 1 unit corn sheller |
335,500.00 |
Corn Production Project |
| Sitio Napuong Small FA | 2 units granule applicator 1 unit shredder machine |
353,000.00 |
Vegetable Production Project |
| Kaisahan sang Mangunguma kag Mamumugon sang Barangay Quintin Remo | 4 units collapsible dryer |
172,000.00 |
Peanut Production Project |
| Kaunlaran sa Sitio Can-awi Farmers and Farm Workers Association | 1 unit egg incubator |
74,500.00 |
Duck Production converted to Native Chicken Production |
| MAGHIMAKAS-TA | 2 units granule applicator 1 unit shredder machine |
353,000.00 |
Lowland Organic Vegetable Production |
| Panayakan Lanipga Multi-Purpose Cooperative | 1 unit hand tractor 2 units granule applicator 1 unit corn sheller |
530,500.00 |
Hybrid Corn Production Project |
| Dumatad FA | 2 units granule applicator |
103,000.00 |
Lowland Vegetable Production |
| Tagas Multi-Purpose Cooperative | 1 unit granule applicator |
51,500.00 |
Lowland Vegetable Production Project |
| Tag-osip FA | 1 unit granule applicator |
51,500.00 |
Pineapple Production Project |
| Sapsapon Vegetable Growers Association | 1 unit corn sheller |
249,500.00 |
Corn Production Project |
| Guinhulacan FA | 2 units granule applicator |
103,000.00 |
Corn Production Project |
|
Total |
2,377,000.00 |
A total of 12 units of granular applicator worth Php 50,000 each, six units collapsible dryer worth Php 55,000 each, two units shredder machine worth Php 250,000 each, three units corn sheller worth Php 260,000 each, one unit hand tractor worth Php 140,000, and one unit egg incubator worth Php 90,000 was delivered to beneficiaries in the municipalities of San Lorenzo in Guimaras (2 FAs), Moises Padilla (2 FAs) and La Castellana (1 FA) in Negros Occidental, Tangalan (3 FAs) and Buruanga (2 FCAs) in Aklan, and Bingawan (1 FA) in Iloilo.
The BNA study conducted in the first semester in these areas floated the need for mechanical support interventions as farmers have underlined the necessity for machinery services and requested access to technologies that could increase their output.
Moreover, associations have raised their concerns of not being able to invest in farm machinery and equipment due to limited financial resources. The absence of farm power may compromise the farmer’s ability to efficiently cultivate their land and they may have to operate with their available resources alone. Thus, the program has prioritized the provision of machinery to the FCAs which can cater to the needs of the 360 beneficiaries.
These continuing efforts in increasing levels of mechanization supply chains, in a farmer’s perspective, are supporting opportunities that relieve the burden of farm labor and facilitate timeliness and efficiency in their farm production activities. ###
Writer: Cedie C. Bataga, DA-SAAD Western Visayas Information Officer
Photos by:
Michael Deve Perez, Associate Project Officer I
Jezer John Chispa, Community Development Officer II
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