Farmers from Barangay Pantao and Inuma of Calanogas town in Lanao del Sur have no more worries on transporting its farm products to the market.
These after the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM) turned over two units of Agricultural Tramline System Project last June 14.
The system worth over P 3 million pesos with a total of 505 meters (Inuma- 260 m, Pantaon-245 m) and two (2) terminals each has a hauling capacity of 1.5-2.0 tons/hr and a carrier capacity of 350-500 kg. Using 4DR5 Diesel Engine, it can transport goods to and from at a speed of 150 meters/minute.
It could cater to a combined area of 85 hectares and more than a hundred farmer-beneficiaries in the two municipalities who are growing corn, coconut, banana, upland rice and vegetables.
The tramline according to Philippine Center for Post-Harvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) Director Raul Fas is an alternative and fastest way to transport goods from distant farms and in the highlands to nearby accessible roads and market place.
DAF-ARMM Secretary Atty. Lomala M. Balindong, Assistant Secretary Oweida Pangarungan, Admin Chief Akilan Manko, Regional Agriculture Engineering Division Chief Engr. Abraham Onotan and PhilMech Director Fas led the turn-over and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony .
Secretary Balindong in his message appealed to farmer-beneficiaries to maintain properly and use of the facility as it will benefit them and their community.
Actual operation of the system was conducted involving farmer-operators. The proper handling and carrying of products in the tram terminal from the farm down or through the nearest road or area has been demonstrated.
Furthermore, a lecture/discussion on tramline system was done by Engr. Divino Franco of PhilMech, Nueva Ecija.
Calanogas Mayor Dra. Raquemah Aguam Benito-Taha represented by Vice-Mayor Engr. Benito extended their heartfelt gratitude to DAF-ARMM and PhilMech with the blessings in support to the High Value Commercial Crops Development Program (HVCDP).
Farmer-operators had undergone training on tramline operations and maintenance involving Hauling Operation, Communication/Signals, Safety, Maintenance and Trouble Shooting a day before the said turn-over at Ayala Resort Hotel, Mindanao State University-Main Campus. (rafid-armm/tengdatu)
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