SURIGAO DEL NORTE, November 8, 2023 – Expanding farmers’ access to mechanized  technology, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Caraga Region provided two units of multi-cultivator to two (2) Phase 2 farmers’ associations in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, benefiting 55 farmers.

As aid for land preparation activities, which includes tilling and plotting, the machines worth Php 245,000 each were received by Caridad Vegetable Association (25 members) in Pilar on October 17, and Abad Santos Farmers’ Association (30 members) in Santa Monica on October 18.

On the same dates, personnel from DA Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED)  conducted machine testing and orientation regarding operation and maintenance.

The inputs are components of the livelihood production packages funded by SAAD in FY 2023, with Pineapple Production for CAVEA worth Php 1,594,004 and Vegetable Production for ASFA worth Php 1,038,980. The projects included start-up inputs such as planting materials, vegetable seeds, fertilizers, farm tools, and equipment delivered within the 2nd and 3rd quarters. 

In May and June this year, the FAs also underwent training on vegetable and pineapple production, for additional information about the commodities and considerations for establishing communal plantations, and on management skills development.  

CAVEA started planting various vegetables in June, which includes string beans, cucumber, bitter gourd, okra, tomato, and eggplant. The FA is already selling their produce in the community with a partial income of Php 26,549 from August to September.  ASFA, on the other hand, established their 0.3-hectare communal pineapple plantation at Brgy. Abad Santos in July with expected first harvest by 3rd Quarter of 2024. ###

Writer: Mark Angelo C. Pineda, DA-SAAD Caraga Information Officer