Apayao farmers receive P3.3 million in equipment aid

The provincial government of Apayao announced on Friday that new assistance from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) will help local farmers lower their production costs. Governor Elias Bulut Jr. stated that government supplies will speed up planting and harvesting, making farming more cost-effective. The DAR recently provided P3.3 million worth of farm equipment to six agrarian reform beneficiary organizations in Apayao. This initiative aims to improve farmers' conditions as part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to support Filipino farmers. The distribution of equipment benefited 175 farmers in the province, which mainly focuses on agriculture, particularly rice, corn, and various fruits and vegetables. Bulut highlighted that mechanization in farming, such as tilling land before planting, significantly aids farmers. The assistance will help reduce production costs, allowing farmers to earn more money for their families. The DAR supplied various tools including hand tractors, tractors with rotavators, and water pumps. These advanced machines are expected to increase productivity and lessen the physical labor involved in farming.