In a significant boost to the agricultural sector, the provincial government of Negros Occidental has distributed advanced rice threshers to 13 farmers associations. The initiative, which began on November 27, 2024, at the Negros First Organic Technology Center in Barangay Tabunan, Bago City, aims to reduce post-harvest losses and increase productivity among local rice farmers. The total investment in these machines stands at PHP2.3 million, with each of the 15 units costing PHP153,300. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson emphasized the importance of these machines in easing the post-harvest process and boosting farmers’ incomes. The Federation of Irrigators Association–Central Negros (FIACN) was among the recipients, receiving three units to serve its extensive network of 7,952 members across 44 associations and 11,763 hectares. Other beneficiaries are spread across various cities and towns including Bago, Victorias, Don Salvador Benedicto, Calatrava, Candoni, Hinoba-an, Murcia, La Castellana, and Moises Padilla. These new threshers, designed for higher efficiency, significantly outperform traditional manual models. To ensure their effective use, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) conducted orientation sessions on operation, maintenance, and usage guidelines. Additionally, many of these farmers had previously received floating tillers in July, further enhancing their land preparation capabilities.
