3 North Cotabato farmer co-ops receive P1-million farm inputs

MANILA, Philippines -Three farmer groups in North Cotabato recently received at least P1 million worth of farm machinery to help them improve their productivity and increase their income, the Department of Agrarian Reform said over the weekend.

The Osias Samahang Nayon Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Samahan ng mga Kababaihan ng Upper Paatan, and Nangaan Irrigator Farmers Association in Kabacan town received farm inputs worth more than P300,000 each, said Marion Abella, provincial agrarian reform program officer.

Abella said the machinery were provided under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA), a government peace and development program in conflict-stricken areas and covered by peace agreements.

He said the Osias Samahang Nayon Multi-Purpose Cooperative received a rice thresher, a generator, a trailer and a power tiller equipped with a 10-horsepower engine.

The Samahan ng mga Kababaihan ng Upper Paatan and Nangaan Irrigator Farmers Association received farm supplies such as fertilizer, palay seeds and pesticide.

Abella said farmers could rent the equipment and procure farm supplies at a competitive price. He said the proceeds would form part of the cooperatives’ capital.

“Through this scheme, the groups will be empowered to improve their cooperatives by engaging in agri-business,” Abella said.

He said the cost-sharing scheme in the form of labor, goods or money to implement business activities is required to instill upon the farmers the sense of ownership of the projects and to ensure its sustainability.

“We will help the farmers establish a policy system and procedure that will guide them in their business operations,” Abella said.