Banate farmers receive P7.6M worth of agri machines, infra

Department of Agriculture-Western Visayas (DAWV) regional executive director Remelyn R. Recoter led the awarding and turn-over of agricultural machines and infrastructure to the Bariga-Magdalo Farmers Irrigators Association, Inc. (BMFIA) in Brgy. Bariga, Banate, October 1.

“The distribution of machines and infrastructure is in support of the Community Hybrid Rice Model Farm in Banate,” said Director Recoter.

The model farm is the first community-based model farm for hybrid rice in western Visayas, covering 100 hectares of rice area.

She added that BMFIA was chosen as the first recipient of the project among 1,000 farmers’ association in the region.

Recoter challenged the association to use the equipment properly by creating a policy on how to manage the equipment and infrastructure.

She said the association must come up with income-generating activities to raise fund for the repair and maintenance of the machines.

“I believe that good leadership is the key to the success of the association coupled with a vision to grow in the future,” Recoter remarks.

“Ang blessings talagsa lang ini gaabot, kinahanglan ta guid sal-on para indi na kapalagyo,” said Banate municipal mayor Carlos O. Cabangal during his message.

Cabangal is positive that the BMFIA will prosper and will level to one of the most successful farmers association in Banate, the Ugasan Juanico Irrigators Association.

He said that with the support of the Department of Agriculture and the cooperation among the members of the association, the increase in production and income is possible.

On the other hand, Recoter encouraged the farmers to sell their dried palay to the National Food Authority.

The following were turned over to the BMFIA:

• 1 unit Rice Combine Harvester (P 2,000,000.00)
• 1 unit Mini Four Wheel Drive Tractor (P 1,300,000.00)
• 1 unit Mechanical Rice Transplanter (P1,300,000.00)
• 1 Multipurpose Center (P 3,000,000.00)

 

Also present in the turn-over activity are DAWV Regional Technical Director for Operations Rene B. Famoso, Regional Agricultural Engineering Group Chief Engr. Albert Barrogo, Municipal Agriculturist Ma. Luz Ferrer, and Mr. Lemuel Fernandez from the Office of Iloilo 4^th District Rep Braeden John Biron. (Aileen Joy Subade/DA-RAFIS 6)