TARLAC CITY -The Department of Agriculture (DA) distributed ₱35.7 million worth of rice combine harvesters to qualified farmers’ cooperatives and associations in Central Luzon.
The turnover was held at the Research Outreach Station for Lowland Development in Barangay Paraiso, Tarlac City, and was led by the agency’s Field Operations Division.
Funded under the Rice Banner Program, a total of 20 harvester units were granted to recipients across four provinces: Bulacan (six units), Tarlac (seven units), Bataan (two units), and Pampanga (five units).
According to the DA, the rice combine harvester enables farmers to harvest, thresh, and clean rice grains using a single machine, making the process faster and more efficient.
Matayumtayum Agriculture Cooperative Chairperson Jose Jomily Clarito shared how the machinery will benefit their cooperative.
“Napakalaking tulong nito sa aming mga kooperatiba. Ang mga combine harvester ay hindi lamang magpapabilis sa aming pag-aani, kundi makakatulong din sa pagpapataas ng aming produksyon at kita (This is a great help for our cooperatives. The combine harvesters will not only make our harvesting faster but will also help increase our production and income),” he said.
Present during the activity were Tarlac Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer (APCO) Ricky Manguerra, Bataan APCO Marilou Ramos, Bulacan APCO representative and agriculturist Arwen Lacanilao, and representatives from the Provincial Agriculture Offices of several provinces.
The distribution of high-tech farm machinery forms part of the agency’s goal to boost agricultural productivity through modern technologies and improved equipment.
