LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – To further boost their production of high value crops in the province, the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR) awarded various agricultural equipment to farmers cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in the province on November 17, 2023, at the Benguet Cold Chain, Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet after the High Value Crops Achievers’ Award.
The agricultural equipment is composed of 27 units of walking-type tractor/rotary-type cultivator and 44 units of power sprayer with a total amount of PhP4,020,840.00. The power sprayers were provided to FCA members who are newly certified in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
Benguet Governor Melchor D. Diclas, represented by his Executive Assistant David Cabuteng received the Certificate of Award on behalf of the province from the DA-CAR headed by OIC-Regional Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan.
“Nagdakkel daytoy nga tulong kadakami nga farmers tapnu haan kami a marigatan nga agi-spray ti mulmulami (We are grateful for this assistance to us farmers to make our spraying of crops easier),” said Meriam Castog of the Labayan Farmers Association in Bangao, Buguias, one of the beneficiaries of the power sprayer.
Henry Abangley, Jr., President of the i-Kapangan Farmers Entrepreneurs Organization of Kapangan, Benguet, added that the walking type tractor/rotary type cultivator they received in the association will be helpful to fast track and make their farming activities easier, allowing them to produce quality crops in return.
As per the signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the DA-RFO CAR, the Regional Agricultural and Fisheries Council, and the FCA beneficiary with the provincial and municipal agriculturists as witnesses, the beneficiary shall ensure the maintenance and utilization of the agri equipment are in accordance with their intended purposes; observe utmost care and maintenance which includes the provision of permanent shed for the equipment, and formulate internal guidelines relative to the operation and maintenance of the machinery, among others.
The DA-RFO CAR, in return, is responsible for the conduct of demonstration and training on operation and maintenance prior to the turnover of equipment to the beneficiaries, turnover of the equipment, and monitoring its utilization and management including the performance of the beneficiary. In cases where there is non-compliance by the beneficiary of its obligation under the MOA, the DA-RFO CAR reserves the right to recover the said agri-equipment. By JBAgrifino
