The Esperanza RiceBIS Producers Cooperative (ESRIPCO) in Agusan del Norte is targeting a multi-purpose upgrade within the next two years following its operation since RiceBIS Agusan organized it during its 2019 RiceBIS Phase 1. ESRIPCO currently provides high-quality seeds and farm inputs in the province.
Meanwhile, 50 farmer-members of the Gumaga Farmers Association in Libungan, North Cotabato can now reduce their production cost including milling rice products after receiving farm machines from the RCEF Mechanization Program. The machines included 1 unit combine harvester, 4-wheel-drive tractor, and rice transplanter, among others.
“The convergence of government extension services in Gumaga will boost the application of rice production technologies we teach rice farmers. The knowledge gained and machines acquired will help enhance their rice farming practices, productivity, and profitability,” Midsayap branch RiceBIS Project Leader Pernelyn S. Torrena said.
Dr. Torrena added that farm mechanization is one of the crop management practices under the PalayCheck System. The Midsayap RiceBIS team continues to guide and strengthen Gumaga farmers in their agroenterprise activities and in opportunities in accessing government projects. (WJM Lorenzo and STC Quiring)
