The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has turned over a P1.5-million mechanical rice transplanter to the San Fernando Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (SFARCC), enabling agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) to plant rice more efficiently, reduce production costs, and boost rice productivity.
The assistance was provided under DAR’s Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program (CRFPSP) through its Major Crop-Based Block Farm Productivity Enhancement component, which promotes the adoption of modern farm technologies to improve agricultural efficiency and strengthen food production.
DAR formalized the turnover through the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the agency, represented by Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer Cosme Jaime Mendoza, and SFARCC, represented by its general manager Ramonito Gubaton.
To ensure the efficient and safe use of the equipment, GreenGround Rapid Agri-Business Machineries Corp. Parts and Service Supervisor Michael Sandoval conducted an orientation on the proper operation, maintenance, and handling of the mechanical transplanter.
Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Rogelio Madarcos said the new farm machine will help farmers embrace modern farming practices while reducing the time, labor, and costs required for rice production.
‘This mechanical transplanter is more than just a piece of equipment. It is an investment in our farmers’ future. By reducing production costs and speeding up planting operations, our ARBs can become more productive, more competitive, and better prepared to meet the growing demand for food,’ Madarcos said.
The mechanical transplanter is expected to accelerate rice planting, improve planting precision, and increase crop yields, helping ARBs boost their incomes and sustain rice production.
The assistance forms part of DAR’s continuing commitment to modernize Philippine agriculture by equipping ARBs with climate-resilient technologies and farm support services.
‘The initiative also supports the directive of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III to enhance farmers’ productivity through mechanization and innovative agricultural interventions that contribute to food security and rural development.’