Daily TribuneThe Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Law requires LGUs through their agricultural and biosystems engineers or to create agricultural and fisheries mechanization plans in consultation with the DA-BAFE and coordinate related projects with the national government
Photograph Courtesy of DA
The Department of Agriculture, or DA, has received 117 agricultural and fisheries mechanization plans from local government units or LGUs as the national government urges local officials to use increased funds wisely under the Mandanas Ruling.
DA-Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering director Ariodear Rico said 64 of these plans were already reviewed by the agriculture department.
Meanwhile, nine LGUs already completed final versions of such plans. These are Aurora; Taytay and Tanay in Rizal; Mauban and Polillo in Quezon; Daet and Labo in Camarines Norte; Malaybalay City in Bukidnon and Malungon in Sarangani.
Agricultural, biosystems engineers
According to the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Law, LGUs through their agricultural and biosystems engineers or ABEs must create agricultural and fisheries mechanization plans in consultation with the DA-BAFE and coordinate related projects with the national government.
"ABEs are vital for the nation's development, as they design and implement machinery and systems for agri-fisheries mechanization, irrigation, farm-to-market roads, and other rural infrastructures," Rico said.
In terms of funding, the Mandanas Ruling requires the LGU share from the national revenue to be raised by around 38 percent or P263 billion to fund projects in agriculture, as well as health, social welfare, infrastructure and tourism.
"ABEs are also the pioneers of change, custodians of sustainability, and champions of modern, appropriate, and sustainable mechanization technologies and practices," Rico said.
ABE divisions
He reported there are ABE divisions in 70 out of 76 provinces; 74 out of 145 cities and 587 out of 1,371 municipalities in the country as of December.
Since 2013, the country has increased its mechanization level to just 2.679 horsepower per hectare (hp/ha) this year from 2.31 hp/ha.
The Department of Science and Technology says a mechanical direct seeder, for example, produces five to eight tons of rice per hectare, while traditional farming generates only three tons per hectare.
