DA-10 to intensify farm mechanization in NorMin

DA-10 to intensify farm mechanization in NorMin

To fortify the delivery of appropriate development support services to farmers and other stakeholders in the region, the Department of Agriculture-High Value Crops Development Program (DA-HVCDP 10) held a Regional Farm Mechanization and Postharvest Technology Consultation recently.

The assembly tackled on the creation of a regional comprehensive farm mechanization roadmap that will be the basis for the implementation of farm mechanization projects from 2013 to 2016. Thus, participants were given the opportunity to identify possible farm mechanization and postharvest projects that are deemed necessary in their respective areas for production development, post harvest handling and value-adding activities for the next four years.

Most of the projects identified and proposed by the participants range from farm equipment and post harvest equipment. As of writing, the proposed projects were 33 hand tractors with trailers, 40 shredders, 42 banana chippers, 28 peanut dehullers, 20 multi-purpose drying pavements, 24 display centers, 28 weighing scales and 13 bi-cable tramlines; technical trainings and other processing equipment for coffee, fruits and vegetables. These proposed projects have reached a total of 110,312,000 budget requirement for 2013 to 2016.

Ms. Chedy V. Ansale, DA-HVCDP Regional Coordinator explained that project proposals are needed to access these projects, provided these are included in the LGU’s Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Plan (AFMP) submitted to DA-10.
Furthermore, Ansale announced that all projects from all DA banner programs require 10% equity from the partner Local Government Unit starting June 2012. Equity will only apply to agri-infra projects that require construction as well as for heavy equipment, while other projects will be granted to the beneficiaries for free.

DA-HVCDP 10 will also distribute 32,000 pieces of coffee seedlings to those areas that have submitted their proposals as part of their continuous effort to revive the coffee industry in the region.

Over 62% of the fifty million peso HVCDP proposed budget for 2013 will be allocated for production support services such as distribution of seeds, planting materials, farm animals, equipment and machineries and establishment of facilities, biological/organic fertilizer plant and 815 school gardens.

The event was attended by agricultural officers, representatives from the private sector, PhilMech, RAFC and other stakeholders. #(VANESSA MAE S. SIANO, DA-RAFID 10)