SRA Grants Tractors, Other Farm Implements
BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL - The Sugar Regulatory Administration granted tractors, starting capital, and other farm equipment to 13 Block Farm Beneficiaries on October 4, 2024, as part of the Sugar Industry Development Act of 2015 (SIDA), specifically its Farm Mechanization Support Program.
Each of the 13 Sugarcane Block Farm and cooperatives received a Ford Philippines Tractor as well as a starting capital of 1.950 million Pesos with irrigation equipment such as pump engines. The Ford Philippines YTO X904 Tractor runs on 89.2 horsepower and features good fuel consumption.
In his speech, Hon. Pablo Luis S. Azcona says, “This is the biggest budget the agriculture sector has ever experienced [....] I, Hon. Sanson and Hon. Mangwag encourage SRA to utilize the budget for our stakeholders, our farmers.”.
Florante Castillano, a member of the Sitio Tres Eles Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association, expressed his thankfulness for the farm equipment hand-off, stating the importance of equipment to their livelihoods.
“Agriculture is our livelihood [...] We thank SRA for the assistance, (equipment) is an essential part of farming,” He said.
Block Farm Chairperson Renilda Pabila echoed Castillano's sentiments, stating the importance of the starting capital and other equipment granted.
“I personally thank you all for seeing us (farmers) and our needs [...] for guiding us and consistently and following up for the creation of our block farms,” She said in her speech.
Block Farming is the banner program of SIDA. Block farms are a consolidation of small sugarcane farms designed to deliver a mass volume of harvest, creating more profit and other benefits for every sugarcane farmer.
SIDA aims to improve the Philippine Sugar industry through Productivity Improvement Programs, such as Farm Mechanization. The Farm Mechanization Program within SIDA provides training and support in the utilization of appropriate agricultural equipment for the cultivation and care of Sugarcane.
