PARACELIS, Mountain Province – The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR) through its Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), in partnership with the agri-machinery suppliers, recently conducted an essential operation and maintenance training for the newly turned-over 3 units of four-wheel tractors and 1 unit recirculating dryer in Paracelis, Mountain Province.
This three-day training, held from recently has significant implications for the local farming communities, particularly the farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) and their operators, to ensure the efficient use and upkeep of the agricultural machinery.
Furthermore, this initiative is in alignment with Memorandum Order No. 50 (MO 50), underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing agricultural modernization and productivity in the region.
“We want to ensure that the recipients are ready to operate and maintain the turned over machinery as to the standards operations set by the supplier,” said Engr. Marcial Bayodao of RAED.
During the training, the identified operators learned about the different parts of the machines and its usage, and basic troubleshooting. They also experienced first-hand driving at the actual farm area with the guidance of the suppliers’ technicians.
Moreover, Jessel Anne Ramiterre of the Ford Company, in her briefing, emphasized that the warranty for the machinery is two years. However, it does not cover improper operation and handling. Further, she emphasized that the machineries should not be touched, either for troubleshooting or repair, by technicians other that the authorized technicians of the Ford Company. Doing this will void the warranty, Ramiterre stressed.
She then encouraged the farmer-operators to immediately inform the DA-CAR of issues and concerns regarding the machinery for the latter to call the attention of the supplier who also have an office branch in Isabela. Ford Company, together with other companies, also offer after-sales services.
The agricultural machinery plays a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and productivity of the agricultural sector. The use of modern equipment in feasible areas, such as four-wheel tractors and recirculating dryers, streamlines various farming operations, reducing manual labor, and increasing overall production. However, these benefits can only be realized if the operators are well-trained in the proper operation and maintenance of these machines. Thus, said training is conducted after every turn over of machineries to FCA-beneficiaries. By JBAgrifino