City Council backs agriculture boost with new farm equipment grants

THE City Council of Cagayan de Oro, led by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, approved two ordinances that will provide much-needed farm machinery to marginal farmers to improve productivity and enhance income opportunities in the agricultural communities of the city.

This, as the Council authorized Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) for the grant of cassava grater, moisture meter, and corn sheller, to be distributed to farmer associations or cooperatives.

These equipment will help reduce post-harvest losses, improve processing efficiency, and increase the profitability of marginal farmers.

In addition, the Council also authorized Mayor Uy to sign another MOA with DA-RFO 10 for the grant of one unit 4WD farm tractor to support land preparation and farm operations to expand farm produce while lowering labor costs.

Under the ordinances, the DA-RFO 10  will monitor the operation and maintenance of the projects, while the City Agriculturist’s Office will be responsible for securing the equipment prior to turnover, orienting beneficiaries, and ensuring sustainable and optimum use. (FDC/SP)