THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has provided a P1.5-million mechanical rice transplanter to farmers in Romblon to reduce costs and improve productivity.
The machine was turned over on Aug. 3 to the San Fernando Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (SFARCC) in Barangay Taclobo, San Fernando, Romblon.
DAR said the equipment was facilitated through its Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program, which gives agrarian reform beneficiaries and their organizations access to modern equipment and climate-smart farming technologies.
Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Rogelio Madarcos said the mechanical transplanter would reduce time, labor and costs involved in rice production while helping farmers adopt modern farming practices.
The machine is expected to speed up rice planting, improve planting precision and increase yields, helping agrarian reform beneficiaries raise their incomes and sustain production.
Farmers also received training on the proper operation, maintenance and handling of the equipment.
DAR said the equipment forms part of its efforts to modernize agriculture and improve farmers’ resilience to extreme weather through mechanization and other farm support services.
The program also supports the government’s broader efforts to raise agricultural productivity, strengthen food security and promote rural development.
