NoCot farmers’ group receives P1.4 M farm tractor to mechanize upland farming

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has turned over a four-wheel drive farm tractor with a disc plow worth Php1.4 million to a Muslim farmers group in Guiling, Alamada, North Cotabato to enhance upland farming efficiency of the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) through mechanization.

The Pidatan Greenland New Development Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries' Organization received the said facility through DAR’s Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program, which aims to enhance and sustain the agricultural productivity of agrarian reform communities as an adaptation measure towards climate change resiliency.

The tractor is expected to serve not only the 150 hectares of its members’ farmlands but also other nearby areas to help the farmers during land preparation and post-harvest activities.

Ondak Maamor, President of the recipient organization, expressed his gratitude to DAR for fulfilling their request for a farm tractor. "Nagpapasalamat po kami sa DAR dahil tinugunan ang aming hiling na magkaroon ng isang farm tractor. Malaking tulong po ito sa amin para mapadali at mapabilis ang aming mga gawain sa pagsasaka."

He pledged on behalf of their 70 members to responsibly maintain and maximize the tractor's use for community service strictly adhering to the established operation and maintenance policies.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Evangeline Bueno, on her part, said the tractor is particularly crucial given their remote location within the province.

"I hope that the recipient organization would catalyze for improving the lives of its members and the community, fostering resilience and adaptability to climate change, "she said.