DAVAO CITY — The Bangsamoro Government, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), distributed comprehensive livelihood packages containing agricultural inputs and equipment to cooperatives formed by former combatants who have transitioned into farming. The distribution took place on July 28 and July 31, 2023.
The initiative aims to enhance farming operations, optimize productivity, reduce labor costs, and advocate sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.
On July 28, the Wal Farmers Association (WFA) from Maguindanao received an array of farm machinery, including 2 units of Rice Reaper, 1 unit of Rice Combine Harvester, 2 units of Rice Thresher, 1 unit of Rice Transplanter, 1 unit of Corn Mill, and 3 rolls of Hog wire. The association was also granted 80 bags of Hybrid Palay seeds, 80 bags of Inbred Palay seeds, 80 bags of Hybrid Corn seeds, 219 bags of Urea Fertilizer, 121 bags of Complete Fertilizer, 122 packs of Foliar Fertilizer, 702 Coffee Robusta seedlings, and 250 each of Grafted Jackfruit, Grafted Lanzones, Grafted Rambutan, Grafted Durian, Grafted Marang, and Grafted Calamansi.
Similarly, on July 31, the Salam Laguitan Agriculture Cooperative (SLAC) received support, which included 2 units of Hand Tractors, 1 unit of Rice Reaper, 1 unit of Rice Combine Harvester, 1 unit of Corn Combine Harvester, 1 unit of Rice Thresher, 2 units of Rice Transplanter, 1 unit of Corn Mill, 1 unit of Refrigerated Van, and 1 unit of Dropside Truck. Moreover, the SLAC cooperative secured agri-inputs, comprising 110 bags of Inbred Palay Seeds, 143 bags of Hybrid Corn seeds, 385 bags of Urea Fertilizer, 160 bags of Complete Fertilizer, 160 packs of Foliar Fertilizer, 5 rolls of Hog Wire, 5 rolls of Barbed Wire, and 5 units of Knapsack Sprayer.
Alladin Badio, the chairman of SLAC, conveyed profound appreciation to the Bangsamoro Government and MAFAR-Special Development Fund (SDF) for furnishing agricultural inputs and farm machinery that will aid their agricultural pursuits as former combatants turned farmers.
“This support will alleviate the challenges of farming and enable us to attain higher yields and improved product quality,” Badio stated.
He emphasized that utilizing modern farm machinery will expedite the farmers’ tasks, enabling them to fully leverage the assistance provided by the Bangsamoro Government.
The provision of diverse fruit seedlings empowers farmers to diversify their crops and cultivate various types of fruits on their lands.
Furthermore, supplying high-quality agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides guarantees that crops receive essential nutrients and protection against pests and diseases, ultimately resulting in increased yields and production.
These initiatives align with the 12-Point Priority Agenda of BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, focusing on advancing socio-economic development and enhancing production within the agri-fishery sector.
