Three Farmer Associations in Antique, Philippines Receive Machinery to Boost Rice Production

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ByJi-hyun

The Department of Agriculture in the Philippines turned over farm machinery to three associations of farmers in Antique to boost their rice production. In an interview, Antique chief of the DA Agriculture Program Coordinating Office (APCO) Sonie Guanco said that they have turned over two units of rice combined harvesters to the Sibalom Catungan I-IV Irrigators Association in Baragnay Catungan, Sibalom, and one unit to the Sta. Fe Irrigators Association of the town of Pandan.

The Cubay South Farmers’ Association in Bugasong Town also received a four-wheel drive tractor.

“The farmer’s associations were the first to receive the mechanization this year using the funding form from DA,” said Guanco.

Another batch of farmers’ associations will receive their farm equipment next year. Guanco stated that the recipient associations are responsible for maintaining the machinery.

“Members of the farmers’ associations could avail of the farm machinery for lesser fees depending on their agreement,” Guanco said.

Farmers’ associations duly accredited by the DA could avail of the machinery by submitting a letter of intent. Guanco added, “Nowadays, it is already quite hard to hire farm workers, that is why farm mechanization is needed.”

The funds for the farm equipment were realized through the initiatives of Senator Loren Legarda and Antique Rep. Antonio Agapito Legarda.

Hailing from California, USA. Ji-hyun is a Korean American 🇰🇷🇺🇸 with two growing boys who eat their weight in rice each week. After graduating UCLA & becoming a mom she started We Know Rice as a guide for all the students and moms out there looking to cook healthy and filling meals.