Agri chief distributes P215.5-M worth of farm equipment to Region 12 farmers, fishers
AGRICULTURE • 05:02 AM Tue Aug 1, 2017
1,131
By:
Edwin O. Fernandez with photos from Agri-Tayo Soccsksargen
Agriculture Sec. Manny PInol speaks to farmers, fishers, local officials of Region 12 in Tupi, South Cotabato. (DA-info office)
TUPI, South Cotabato -- Agriculture Sec. Emmanuel Piñoltoday awarded more thanP215.5-M worth of farm equipment and facilities to farmer groups and local governments of SOCCSKSARGEN region.Piñolwas accompanied by DA-12 Regional Executive Director Mila Casis and other regional agriculture officials in the distribution of pre and post harvest facilities to farmers groups and fisher folks. Photo below shows local official receiving certificate of donations from DA Sec. Manny Pinol. (DA-12 info office) Image may contain 13 people people smiling outdoor and nature sand//scontent.fmnl4-6.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20476626_1930844073825065_1231348837689366651_n.jpg?oh=4383abcd80fa47b004217d916f111fd0andampoe=59FB88B7 He announced that unlike in the past, the recipients of government projects under the Duterte administration,no longer provide counterpart amount before they can avail of the equipment.However, he told beneficiaries that they are required to put up a machinery shed to ensure that the machines are properly kept while not in operations.Piñol informed SOCCSKSARGEN farmers and fishers about the newest projects that DA has been carrying-out to attain its food sufficiency goals. One of which is the offering of accessible production loans where farmers can avail of and which they could utilize in buying good quality palay and corn seeds, Pinol said.He said DA will stop the procurement of palay and corn seeds which were given to the farmers but instead, open to farmers production loans which they can use to procure hybrid seeds which could give them greater production. Aside from the hybridization program of the government, the secretary also announced that rice farmers are no longer paying Irrigation Service Fees (ISF). Free irrigation was one of campaign promies of President Duterte.SOCCSKSARGEN is composed of the provinces of South Cotabato, (North) Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Korondal and Gen. Santos. Image may contain 10 people people smiling people standing and outdoor sand//scontent.fmnl4-6.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20604279_1930844237158382_1725397715690292073_n.jpg?oh=aad4148674b0e6abf183cc1dbd29a3c9andampoe=5A02903A