Cordillera gearing towards modernized farming

A FORMER Department of Agriculture official in the Cordillera region emphasized the need to bring modern technology during the First Cordillera Farmers Summit Cum Machinery Roadshow which highlights the rise of new and latest technology in farming.

Former DA-CAR regional director Lorenzo Caranguian said fisherfolks and farmers in the Cordillera region needs access to modern technologies in this mountain region.

Stakeholders, farmer leaders, provincial agriculturists, provincial veterinarians and local government units from all the provinces of Cordillera attended the three day event held from November 15 to 17. In Tabuk City, Kalinga.

During the summit, more than 10 farm machinery providers and business exhibitors were invited to display their products and tools and further educate the farmers on new farming methods.

Newly installed DAFITNESS

CAR regional director Narcisso Abella Edillo acknowledged and encouraged the continued participation and enthusiasm of the Cordillerans toward DA programs, interventions and researches.

Edillo further added he will prioritize looking into agro-climatic conditions and how they affect the highland value crops of the region and develop appropriate technologies.

Engr. Ariodear Rico, Chairman for Board of Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering pointed out Cordillera region has the advantage of a semi-temperate climate that is conducive to the production of temperate vegetable crops.

However, the lack of irrigation is the major constraint in crop production adding this is where farm mechanization should be applied such as the design and implementation of farm reservoir, pressurized irrigation systems and green houses.

“Tu n g o sa makabago at modernong pagsasaka, kailangan i-mechanize ang ating mga farms. This is to make it competitive under the era of ASEAN integration,” he said.

Several programs and under the DA and it’s attached agencies were also presented during the summit including credit assistance farmers can avail. The exhibitors also presented the latest technologies, products and machines for farming applicable to crops in the region.

Lourdes Espino, a farmer leader from Kalinga extended her gratitude saying it is an honor to have attended the event and find out about DA programs on how to make their jobs as farmers lighter.