DA-PhilMech Installs P6.4M Agricultural Tramline System In Tapaz

DA-PhilMech Installs P6.4M

Agricultural Tramline System In Tapaz

Secretary Proceso J. Alcala answering queries from the members of Capiz quad-media during the press conference in connection with the celebration of the 8th CapizTahan Farmers and Fisherfolk Day last April 14, 2015. Alcala stressed the vital role of the media to tell farmers to text/air their concerns on climatic condition in their respective areas so that proper agricultural assistance will be given to them. He expressed his support and trust to DA 6 Regional Executive Director Larry P. Nacionales saying that Dir. Nacionales is one of the top performing Regional Executive Directors in the country. He added that through his leadership the region has consistently ranked 3rd in rice production, 1st in small ruminant and carabao population, 1st in sugarcane, 3rd in hog, 5th in chicken, 5th in banana, 6th in corn and 7th in mango production. (James Earl E. Ogatis photo).

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) Executive Director Rex L. Bingabing and Department of Agriculture (DA) 6 Regional Executive Director Larry P. Nacionales turned over two units of Agricultural Tramline System (ATS) to the local government of Tapaz, Capiz during the 8th Farmers and Fisherfolk Day, April 14. 

“Instead of gumawa ng kalsada na taas-baba, tramline na po ang binibigay. Kasama po sa pagbabago ng design, hindi lang po mga produkto ang pwedeng isakay, pwede na pong sakyan ng tao in terms of emergency katulad ng mga buntis na mga manganganak.”

The tramline is an alternative transport system used by farmers in hauling agricultural inputs and products in areas isolated from road network because of ravines, rivers and dense vegetation. ATS is a system of steel cables and pulleys that links the production area to the nearest access road for the transport of agricultural products.

Sec. Alcala explained to farmers that aside from easing the drudgery of hauling, agriculture, tramline also seeks to reduce the hauling cost thus increasing the farmers income, helps on time delivery of produce and maintains the good quality of vegetables by the reduction of mechanical damages. 

The ATS in Brgy. Daan Norte has 1, 204 meter-long cable, while the ATS in Brgy. Daan Sur measures 923 meters. Both agricultural tramlines have 80Hp diesel engine prime mover, can haul 350kg of produce in each trip in an average speed of 100-150 meters per minute. 

These tramline units aim to help 275 farmers of Brgy. Daan Norte and 115 farmers of Brgy.Daan Sur who are producing upland rice varieties such as Katulak, Solig, Malido, Milagrosa, Magsunaya, Kapawud, Kinawdas, Bulandi, Dolores, Dyamante, Kapino and Kabuno, and other agricultural commodities. 

The DA-PhilMech provided P4,316,272.94 funding while the provincial government of Capiz funded P2,181,909.06. 

According to PhilMech Executive Director Bingabing, there are more than 120 ATS all over the Philippines and Western Visayas have already 14 units. 

The previous year, the DA-PhilMech had constructed P2.9million tramline in Brgy. San Antonio, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo. Dir. Bingabing added that there is an ongoing construction of ATS in Maayon, Capiz. (DA Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section 6/ JEEOgatis and SMHToreno). /MP