(INTENSIFYING FARMING. The use of a mechanical rice transplanter is demonstrated for the farmers of the City of San Fernando, as part of the Farmers’ Week celebration of the city government on May 10 at Brgy. Del Carmen. Contributed Photo)
THE CITY Government of San Fernando, through its City Agriculture and Veterinary Offi ce (CAVO), kicked off over the previous week at a farm in Barangay Del Carmen the observance of this year’s Farmers’ Week.
Activities, including the Planting Festival and awarding of “PINAKA” winners, were held during the program participated by farmers and farmer leaders in this capital city.
Farmer representatives from Go Traktora Trading, a Tarlac-based supplier of agricultural equipment, led the Planting Festival, through a demonstration on the use of a government-owned mechanical rice transplanter.
According to CAVO Crop Division Chief Engr. Francisco Cangco, there were some 40 kilograms of inbred rice variety that were transplanted in a hectare-wide part of the farm.
Based on the experiences of farmers, the use of a mechanized way of transplanting rice benefits them in many aspects, including the decrease of production and labor costs; and increase in income cost.
City Agriculturist Cristina Sangumay, for her part, said that they also adapted the use of contemporary modes of farming in a bid to address the lowering of number of individuals who are interested in farming.
Meanwhile, several farmers with extraordinary harvests were recognized during the “PINAKA” awarding, receiving cash prizes and certifi cates.
Awardees include Francisco Tancio of Del Rosario (Biggest/ Heaviest Kalabasa); Danilo Sunga of San Pedro (Biggest/Heaviest Tilapia); Bernan Cunanan of Quebiawan (Biggest/Heaviest Papaya); and, Marcelino Musni of Telabastagan (Longest/Heaviest Malunggay).
Joining them were Jerry Cunanan of Quebiawan (Longest/ Heaviest Talong); Sonny Pamintuan of Magliman (Biggest/Heaviest Kamote); Amando Fernando, Jr. of Bulaon (Biggest/Heaviest Mango); and, Vivian Manarang of Maimpis (Biggest/Longest Pakwan).
