LUNA, Apayao – The Department of Agriculture-Research Outreach Station (DA-ROS) distributed water pump and engine sets to twenty-two qualified Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCA) from various municipalities as means to aid them in their farming.
Many parts of the province still have problems with access to water for irrigation, with some areas relying solely on rain and small communal irrigation systems.
This distribution is part of the Corn Banner Program which aims to address food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable growth through more production.
The national banner programs of the DA encompass rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock, and organic agriculture, with six (6) components, including Production Support Services, Market Development Services, Extension Support, Education, and Training Support Services, Research and Development, Irrigation Network Services, and Provision of Agricultural Equipment and Facilities.
These programs are implemented nationwide to promote sustainable food production.
During the distribution event held in Tumog Luna, the Provincial Office for Agricultural Services (POAS) collaborated with DA-ROS to ensure effective communication with the presidents of each FCA in every municipality.
In order to use the sets efficiently, Supervising Agriculturist Bernard Bareng emphasized the importance of strong camaraderie among farmers. Bareng added that the provision of interventions aims to encourage them to maintain their unity and support one another in their agricultural endeavors.
It is hoped that the sets of water pumps and engines will add more to the produce of the recipients and eventually help in increasing the level of food security in the province. By Krizza Joy Castillo