BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Farmer groups in Ilocos Norte province have received more than P105 million in agricultural equipment from the Department of Agriculture (DA)’s-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech).
Rice production machines as well as post-harvest and coconut processing facilities funded by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Mechanization Program and Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan Shared Processing Facility of PhilMech were distributed to rice and coconut farmers.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., DA-Ilocos regional director Annie Bares, Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Manotoc and PHilMech director Dionisio Alvindia led the distribution of the farm machineries on Dec. 1.
The agricultural machineries and processing facilities are seen to raise the efficiency of farm operations and inputs as well as lower production costs and post-harvest losses.