Caraga farmers groups get P34M worth of equipment, livelihood projects from DA
By Nora L. Molde
 |
Farmer
cooperatives and associations in Caraga receive more than P34 million worth of
farm equipment and livelihood projects from the Department of
Agriculture. (Photo courtesy of DA-Caraga) |
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Farmers in Caraga enjoy greater productivity and higher income as the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga turned over more than P34 million worth of farm equipment and livelihood projects to various farmer cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in the region.
Among the key beneficiaries is the Tagbucayan Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (TAFAMCO) of Santiago, Agusan del Norte which received a P3 million module of the livestock economic enterprise development (LEED) duck. According to TAFAMCO Chairperson Ponciano Niño, the cooperative plans to venture into duck eggs and ‘balut’ production to create new livelihood opportunities and additional income streams for their members.
Balut is a popular and iconic Filipino delicacy from a developing fertilized duck egg that is incubated for 14-21 days, then boiled or steamed and eaten directly from the shell.
“This project is a big help to us. With the duck module, we can expand into egg and balut production, which will not only strengthen our cooperative’s income but also contribute to local food supply,” Niño said.
The distribution of farm facilities and livelihood packages is part of the Marcos administration’s push to modernize Philippine agriculture, increase farmers’ yields, and improve their earnings through appropriate technologies and innovations.
DA Caraga Regional Executive Director Arlan Mangelen emphasized that the projects go beyond short-term assistance. “These machines and livelihood packages are investments in a more prosperous future for our farmers. We hope that you nurture them well so they can help ensure food sufficiency in Caraga and provide higher income for your families.”
The assistance includes eight LEED modules covering chicken, goat, duck, and swine enterprises; five hauling trucks; eight three-wheeled delivery motorcycles under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program; and individual units of an extruder, roaster, and granulator for postharvest processing.
To ensure sustainability, beneficiaries first underwent technical orientation from the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), while LEED recipients completed livestock management training to properly care for the animals and operate their enterprises.
This initiative forms part of DA Caraga’s broader commitment to promote sustainable agribusiness and strengthen the foundations of agricultural development in the region. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte with a report from DA Caraga)
