PNoy's aggie promise continue to pour in Capiz

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Feb. 19 (PIA6) – Twenty – five pump and engine sets have been released by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to various farmers associations and cooperatives in Capiz last month.

The farm equipment formed part of the multi-million assistance of the Aquino administration to Capiceño farmers to ensure food security and rice self sufficiency in the province.

The project will complement the much bigger irrigation projects by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for the province’s rain-fed farmlands.

Based on records of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), a total of 6,543 laminated sacks and 194 collapsible dryer cases under the DA – Agri Pinoy Rice Program were released to farmers for this year.

In 2012, the DA through OPA released 42 hand tractors, 14 rice threshers, two 4-wheel drive tractors, three rice combine harvester, two rice transplanters and a rice mill were turned over to farmer beneficiaries.

These farm machineries were in line with the Farm Mechanization Program of the DA and were released a few months after Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III pledged the assistance in time for his first presidential visit to Capiz in July 2011.

It also complements on the Adequate Infrastructure Support System thrust of the provincial government under the administration of Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco, Sr.

The thrust includes provision of production and post-harvest facilities, rehabilitation of Panay and Mambusao River irrigation systems, road development and construction and improvement of transport facilities, among others.

The national government’s aid to farmers also included the construction of flat bed dryers and multi-purpose drying pavements.

In support to the Rice Self Sufficiency Program, various varieties of registered and upland rice seeds as well as fertilizers were given to farmers identified by OPA in coordination with the Municipal Agriculturists.

“A lot of farm machineries are still up for Capiceño farmers this year,” said Provincial Agriculturist Sylvia dela Cruz.

The provincial government has also provided a counterpart on the various agriculture – related projects. (JCM/Alex A. Lumaque/PIA 6 Capiz)