The Department of Agriculture (DA) has distributed ₱35.7 million worth of rice combine harvesters to qualified farmers’ cooperatives and associations in Central Luzon.
The turnover ceremony took place at the Research Outreach Station for Lowland Development in Barangay Paraiso, Tarlac City recently.
DA’s Field Operations Division led the distribution activity.
The Rice Banner Program funded the procurement of 20 harvester units, which were distributed across four provinces including 6 units in Bulacan, 7 units in Tarlac, 2 units in Bataan and 5 units in Pampanga.
According to the DA, the rice combine harvesters can harvest, thresh, and clean rice grains in a single process, increasing efficiency.
Matayumtum Agriculture Cooperative Chairperson Jose Jomily Clarito expressed gratitude for the machinery, saying: “This is a great help for our cooperatives. The combine harvesters will not only make our harvesting faster but will also help increase our production and income.”
Present during the activity were Tarlac Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer (APCO) Ricky Manguerra, Bataan APCO Marilou Ramos, Bulacan APCO representative and agriculturist Arwen Lacanilao, and representatives from the Provincial Agriculture Offices of several provinces.
The distribution of high-tech farm machinery is part of the agency’s efforts to boost agricultural productivity through modern technologies and improved equipment.
