To disseminate the various programs and projects of the Department of Agriculture (DA), a saturday class was offered today, May 25, 2024 with topic on farm mechanization, conducted by the DA-Central Visayas (DA7), through the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), held at the regional office in Maguikay, Mandaue City.

The saturday class is being organized to disseminate agri-related information and technologies for the interested farmers’ associations and farming enthusiasts to gain knowledge and learn more on agriculture.

Today, some 20 participants attended the session, who are high-value crop growers from Mandaue City, personnel from the Mandaue City Agriculture Office, staff from DA7’s High-Value Crops and Development Program, and some engineers from the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division.

Engr. Arnel Macabudbud, one of the staff of RAED, emphasized the importance of farm mechanization for efficient and cost-effective farm management, contributing to the modernization of agriculture and increasing the income for farmers.

Highlighting the class was the actual on-field demonstration held at the Cebu Experiment Station (within the DA7complex), where the farmer-participants got the experience on how to drive a tractor.

In an interview with Eugenio Java, a farmer from Calubian, Tabok, Mandaue City, shared that driving a tractor was his dream which was realized today. He shared his experiences in gardening like the use of a “digging pick or bolo”, exerting all his efforts, yet it sometimes caused delays in the farming process.

“If mag gamit og tractor, mas pino ang yuta, mas mapadali ang paggarden,” Mr. Java shared.###