TUBOD, Lanao del Norte (PIA) — The provincial government here, through its Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), took a significant step in advancing agricultural productivity by turning over essential farm machinery and equipment to 17 farmer cooperatives and associations (FCAs) across the province, held at the Provincial Nursery Seed Farm (PNSF) in Kapatagan town.
The distributed machinery and equipment include farm tractors, mobile rice mills, and rice-cutting machines, which are expected to enhance farming efficiency and boost crop yields for the beneficiaries.
Prior to receiving the equipment, the farmer-beneficiaries underwent comprehensive training facilitated by the PAO to ensure the proper and efficient use of the machinery.
In addition to the turnover, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to inaugurate a solar-powered irrigation system installed at the PNSF.
These initiatives were funded under the 20 percent PGLDN Development Fund, specifically allocated to the Upland Rice Development Program.
Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Jalandoni Piti-Ilan highlighted the importance of these resources for improving livelihood and food security in the province.
“Kining tanan, dili pod ni mahimo into reality without the support of our leaders in the province. Kaning mga equipment para ni ma-improve ang atong panginabuhian pinaagi sa pagpang-uma sa upland rice kay importante gyud na atong unahon ang food security,” he said.
(All of this, we cannot make it into reality without the support of our leaders in the province. This equipment is to improve our livelihoods through upland rice farming because it is really important that we prioritize food security.)
Meanwhile, 2nd District Board Member Ma. Cristina Atay emphasized Gov. Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo’s focus on agriculture.
“Gihimo sa atong gobernador nga ang una nga area of focus is agriculture, kay ug magutom ta, magdaot ta, ug atong mga anak ma-malnourished. Ang tumong ug tinguha gyud sa atong governor mao ang papauswag sa atong mga farmers ug sa inyong mga kooperatiba,” she said.
(Our governor has made agriculture his first area of focus, because if we starve, we will suffer, and our children will be malnourished. The goal and desire of our governor is to improve our farmers and your cooperatives.)
The provincial government’s continuous support for the agricultural sector reflects its mission to uplift local farmers and promote sustainable farming practices in Lanao del Norte. These efforts are expected to contribute significantly to the province’s agricultural growth and economic stability. (PIO Lanao del Norte/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
