By Camille C. Nagaño/PIA 3
CABANATUAN CITY — The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) distributed P137.3 million worth of machinery to farmers in Nueva Ecija.
A total of 61 farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) and local government units (LGUs) benefited under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program.
PHilMech Facility Management and Field Operations Division Chief May Ville Castro said a total of 70 machines were awarded composed of 59 units of four-wheel drive tractors, seven units of thresher, and four units of rice reaper.
She clarified that the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 11203 served as basis in determining the RCEF Mechanization Program recipients which include prioritizing rice-based FCAs accredited by the Department of Agriculture.
In case there are no qualified FCAs in a particular area or they cannot comply with the requirements, the LGU may become the beneficiary that will oversee the operation of machinery to meet the needs of individual farmers.
In this regard, Castro reminded all recipients to value its use by properly maintaining and managing the machinery.
“May all these be used for the right purpose so that we can achieve its objective, to lower production cost and reduce losses in the post-harvest that can translate as additional income for our farmers,” she emphasized.
To ensure the efficiency of the distributed machinery, PHilMech conducts training regarding the proper use, management, and monitoring of its utilization.
Meanwhile, beneficiaries may charge other farmers who will use the machinery at a lower cost with proceeds allocated for maintenance.
“It is stated in our agreement with the beneficiaries that they need to charge less compared to the prevailing price in the private sector to help the individual farmers who will use and avail the services of the machines,” Castro said.
The awarded tractors and combined harvesters are already equipped with Global Positioning System for easy monitoring.
FCAs who wish to become beneficiaries of the RCEF Mechanization Program must submit an application to PHilMech or the local agriculture office in their municipality or city.
They must attach a letter of intent, board resolution, and other requirements.
