By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
LAOAG CITY—Ilocos Norte farmers are a step closer to a fully implemented mechanized farming system with the purchase of more post-harvest facilities and high quality seeds.
Sourced from the Php4 million reward of the province as one of the top rice producers in the country, Provincial Agriculturist Norma Lagmay said the amount has already been allocated for projects beneficial to farmers.
Specifically, Ms. Lagmay said around Php500,000 each will be given to at least two seed growers cooperative here namely: One Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Norte Seed Growers Multi-Purpose Cooperative.
Some amount will also go for the purchase of combined harvester and other needed farm machineries to ensure that farmer organizations here will be able to reduce the cost of farm inputs and sustain their productivity amidst threat of climate change.
To ensure that farmers are always updated of the current trends on farm mechanization and modernization, the provincial agriculture office has also allocated funds for the continuing education of farmers as well as the upgrading of the office data base, which comes with a brand new computer and projector exclusive for rice farming.
Earlier, the Department of Agriculture has recognized top rice producers in the country. Ilocos Norte province is among the top 5 along with Nueva Vizcaya, Occidental Mindoro, Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental.
Each received a trophy and Php4 million worth of agricultural project grants.
Ms. Lagmay said the project proposal and budget allocation had already been approved by the Office of the Governor for immediate implementation.