LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET – Farmers in the valley advances from manual to mechanized agricultural activities through the investments of the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).

Members of the La Trinidad Japan Agriculture Trainees Association (LATJATA) can now start with their Enterprise on Farm Mechanization for the sustainable production of high value commercial crops in the municipality.

The Association received one (1) unit of heavy duty 4WD tractor with tiller amounting to P870, 000.00 during the ceremonial turnover held on January 10, 2017 at the La Trinidad Municipal Hall ground.

The enterprise subproject has a total investment cost of P1, 270, 000. 00 shared by the World Bank (80%), the DA (20%), and the Municipal Local Government Unit (20%) and another 20% counterpart from the Association in cash/kind.

“This intervention will truly help us not only in levelling up our farming activities, but will also offer income generating activities and encourage other farmers to sustain the production of high value crops in the valley,” said Anthony Aniban of LATJATA.

The Enterprise intends to provide farm equipment services to improve crop production through mechanization and to reduce production cost.

In addition to the tractor, LATJATA will also receive one unit of 10 HP shredder and two units brush cutter for the second tranche of the enterprise subproject.

To sustain the Enterprise Subproject, LATJATA will be renting the equipment for a certain amount. Part of it will be allotted for the maintenance and repair of the equipment. Members of LATJATA will be prioritized and a rotation scheme shall be followed for succeeding months.

Also, 20 rolls of polyethylene sheet amounting to P190, 000.00 was also awarded to Gusaran Lower Wangal Irrigators Association, Inc. for their enterprise subproject on Fancy Lettuce Seedling Production under greenhouse condition. Two units of greenhouse structure with overhead sprinklers amounting to P600, 000.00 are still undergoing procurement process. The enterprise subproject intends to provide continuous supply of quality vegetable seedlings to the farmer-members of the Association. ### (ELVY S. TAQUIO, CARPCO InfoACE Unit)

Members of Gusaran Lower Wangal Irrigators Association with the PRDP RPCO-CAR I-REAP Component Head Jocelyn W. Beray (8th from the left) and staff together with the LGU Officials of La Trinidad headed by Hon. Romeo K. Salda (10th person from the left).