3 Ozamiz farmer groups get P7-m machinery from DA-10

THREE  farmer associations in Ozamiz City late last week have received P7-million farm machinery from the Department of Agriculture regional office-10 at Molicay Barangay Hall, here, said in a press statement Wednesday.

The DA-10 said farm machinery aimed to raise rice farmers’ profitability and competitiveness through the use of mechanization technologies in the province.

Ozamiz City Agriculturist Carlos Pijuan said the provision of farm mechanization equipment would improve the efficiency of the farmers and their farm productivity.

 “I am sure that with these farm equipment at your hands now will be a big boost to your farm production despite the health crisis that we are encountering now, and the government will continue assisting you,” Pijuan said.

He even urged the non-government organizations to help the government empower farmers.

The farmer associations who received the equipment are the Molicay Farmers Association with 1 unit of combine harvester, a unit of 4-wheel drive tractor, and 1 unit of mechanical rice transplanter.

Maningcol Farmers Association who received one 1 of mechanical rice transplanter and 1 unit of mobile rice mill. The other group is Gango Active Farmers Credit Cooperative who received 1 unit of combine harvester, 1 unit of 4 wheel drive tractor, and a unit of mechanical rice transplanter.

Ozamiz City vice mayor Simplicia Neri encouraged the associations to nurture farm machinery they received.

"Once nurtured, like any individual or personal effects for that matter, it will in all certainty bring positive benefits to your organization in the ensuing years," Neri said.

With the assistance, the associations can further improve the production aspect of their projects, the vice mayor said.

Gango FA President Noli Paredes, one of the recipients, said the farmers can now make their farming activities easier and faster.

“Thank you DA and Mayor Sancho Fernando Oaminal for the help we received. The farm machinery is a big help for our association to be more productive and successful,” Paredes said. (Recthie Tolinero/SMRN/PIA Misamis Occidental)