Some of the agricultural machinery used in the rice farm in Barangay Taloc, Bago City during launching of the farm mechanization program of the Negros Occidental provincial government on Tuesday. (Photo by Richard Malihan/NegOcc Capitol PIO)
BACOLOD CITY -- The Negros Occidental provincial government launched its farm mechanization program on Tuesday as part of its initiatives to boost rice production.
The launching activity, led by Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. with Provincial Agriculturist Japhet Masculino, was held at Purok Camingawan Proper, Barangay Taloc in Bago City, considered as the rice bowl of the province for its vast rice plantations.
“This program for Negrense farmers will make their work easier and faster and also increase their production,” the governor said.
He added that Bago is the pilot area for farm mechanization and the program will also be replicated in other local government units.
Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo lauded the importance given by the governor to agriculture, which benefits the city’s rice industry.
Myrna Villa, chairperson of the Newton-Camingawan-Para Farmers’ Association, said she is grateful the provincial government initiated the farm mechanization program which can be availed by their members.
The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) distributed hybrid rice seeds to the farmers during the activity.
The program launching came after the province acquired PHP9.2 million worth of agricultural machinery last month to implement its farm mechanization program.
The equipment include two units of 70 horsepower harvester worth PHP4.4 million; three units of ride on transplanter, PHP3.2 million; two units of walk behind transplanter, PHP800,000; and one laser leveler, PHP800,000.
Also included are five tractors and three 35 horsepower harvesters, amounting to PHP15.8 million.
The OPA is developing a 200-hectare rice farm in Barangay Taloc into a model farm through full mechanization.
Under the focused mechanization program, the province will provide the machinery and operate the farm -- from land preparation, transplanting to harvesting. (PNA)
