The City Government of Davao, through the City Agriculturist Office (CAgrO), recently purchased two units of four-wheel drive farm tractors.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) provided P4.5 million for the procurement of the tractors as part of the upscaling irrigation project. The recently completed two solar-powered irrigation systems in Paquibato are part of the project.
Engr. Anthony Roy Cariño, Acting Head of CAgrO’s Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering Division, told the City Information Office that the tractors have water tanks that will be used to deliver irrigation water to all agricultural areas in Davao City, particularly in upland areas where there are no available irrigation facilities.
“All agricultural farmers nga need ng supply ng irrigation water sila ang maka-benefit. Naka-base ito sa ating office ug tayo ang nagma-manage (It will help the farmers who want a source of irrigation water. It is based in our office and we are in charge of running it),” he added.
He said procuring the tractors is part of their preparation for El Niño.
On February 13-14, the CAgrO conducted a training on operation and maintenance for tractor operators. The training was aimed at reviewing the fundamentals of using and caring for a four-wheel drive farm tractor while emphasizing the machine’s and operator’s safety prior to, during, and following the operation.
Cariño also urged farmers who need the tractor for irrigation to submit a request to their District Offices. CIO
