MANILA, Philippines - Farmers in Barangay Gawil, Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur have acquired farm implements thanks to the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP), which is under the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The barangay is a major rice-producing area in Zamboanga del Sur.
Valentin Pabinguit of the Gawil Farmers-Irrigators' Association (GFIA) said the funding they have availed themselves of came from the Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) of MRDP.
The funds were used to purchase certified seeds, fertilizers and pesticides which were distributed to their members as their inputs for the cropping period.
"Based on our experience, it would be better to provide farm inputs instead of cash so that funds will be actually spent in rice production," he added.
MRDP 1 program director Lealyn Ramos said in her report to Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala that rice farmers are top priority in the MRDP livelihood assistance scheme since it hews closely to the government's goal of attaining sufficiency in rice.
"Unlike Luzon and Visayas, majority of farm areas in Mindanao are typhoon-free, making it ideal for agricultural production. If enough support is given to farmers here, the island region can significantly contribute in ensuring enough rice supply throughout the country," Ramos said.
Pabinguit said the farm inputs were given not as dole out but as loan which in turn the farmers will pay in cash with 10 percent interest. Such interest is affordable compared to 30 percent interest from non-formal lenders.
Aside from financing, lack of adequate farm equipment is another limiting factor for these rice farmers to improve their production and income. The bulk of the expenses go to rental of farm equipment during land preparation and harvest season.
"Private individuals are earning much from rental fees of their farm equipment which sometimes are not available as they have to prioritize their own farming activities," Pabinguit said.
He added: "We have decided to buy thresher, hand tractor, and a carabao as draft animal from the last tranche of funds downloaded to our association. This will not only address availability of farm equipment but also in augmenting our scarce financial resources."
The farm equipment and draft animal they have acquired are available for rent at P1,500 for GFIA members and P1,600 for non-members.
Based on the report of treasurer Laurencio Gaudencio, the association earned at least P15,000 from the previous cropping season, giving them enough amount for equipment maintenance with extra amount for their savings.
