₱72M Worth of Farm Machinery distributed to Boost Food Production in Caraga

As part of a comprehensive effort to modernize the agriculture sector and boost farmers’ productivity, the Department of Agriculture (DA)—Caraga distributed ₱72 million worth of pre- and post-harvest machinery to forty-six (46) Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) across the region on July 29.

The mass turnover ceremony held in Butuan City is in line with the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s goal to strengthen food security through agricultural modernization.

DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Arlan M. Mangelen shared the message of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., emphasizing the importance of access to modern technologies and appropriate machinery in increasing farmers’ yields and income.

“Through the provision of these modern machines, we aim to make farming more efficient and less labor-intensive so that our farmers can harvest more and earn more,” said Director Mangelen.

Among the distributed machinery were: 10 units of four-wheel drive tractors; 7 corn combine harvesters; 2 rice combine harvesters; 3 multi-commodity threshers; 4 bubble dryers; 3 greenhouses with hydroponics; 7 power sprayers; 2 hauling trucks; and one unit each of soybean sorter, SPIS, corn recirculating dryer, corn husker-sheller, corn mill, cassava chipper, seed sorter, multi-crop drying pavement, solar poly tunnel dryer, pneumatic four-row planter, and shredder. These machines are expected to significantly reduce the time and effort required for tasks ranging from land preparation to post-harvest processing.

According to Jonie Teñoso, Chairperson of the Bunawan Agusan Sur Corn Farmers Association, of Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, harvesting one hectare of corn used to take about a week. But now, with the newly received corn combine harvester, the same task can be completed in just three hours.

“We no longer struggle to find someone to harvest. Our products can now be transported quickly from our area, and they are safe from aflatoxin since the corn goes directly from harvest to sacks and then to hauling. This way, we can meet the quality standards required by buyers and get a good price per kilo,” Teñoso added.

DA-Caraga, through its Regional Agricultural Engineering Division, will also conduct technical training for beneficiaries to ensure proper usage and prolong the life of the

equipment. This initiative aims to promote the long-term use of the machinery so more cooperative members can benefit from faster and more efficient farming.

This distribution is part of DA-Caraga’s continuous effort to support local farmers and enhance regional food production.