More farm machinery was distributed to farmers on Thursday as part of the government’s farm mechanization program to ensure food security in the province.
Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc vowed to protect the farmers’ source of livelihood and make it more profitable for them, especially since the province is a top producer of garlic, onions, tobacco, mango, dragon fruit, and other high-value crops.
Funded through the tobacco excise tax share of Ilocos Norte, thirteen units of four-wheel tractors, nine hand tractors, and two combined harvesters were turned over to 24 clustered farmers’ associations both in the first and second districts of Ilocos Norte.
In all their years in farming, farmer-recipients said it was only during this administration that they got to avail of free farm machinery from the government.
“The equipment is a big help for us. We are so thankful to the government for granting us our request,” said Richard Jay Domingsil, representative of Timpuyog Agriculture Cooperative in Barangay Lipay, Vintar, Ilocos Norte whose group was awarded a combined harvester for palay and corn.
Other recipients included 52-B Lataag Farmers Inc. in Laoag City, Barangay 4 Poblacion Pasuquin Farmers Association Inc., and Zanjera de Margaay Farmers Inc.
Source: Philippines News Agency
Source: Philippines News Agency
