Aimed at reducing travel time of product hauling from the farm source and enhance agricultural productivity and income of local farmers, the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental has turned over Tagukon Agricultural Tramline Project at Sitio Minaluha, Barangay Tagucon in Kabankalan City on Thursday, July 21.

Worth about P2 million, the project was built with two towers, landing pads, waiting shed, engine room, carriage, pulleys and cables.

Its maximum carriage assembly capacity is P350 kilograms and takes two minutes and 20 seconds per tramline trip from tower A to B, with a 320-meter distance.

The Minaluha Diversified Farmers Association (Midifa) and Bagacay Diversified Farmers Association (Badifa) are the main beneficiaries of the project who will oversee its operation and management.

Farm produce that needs hauling includes corn, banana, coconut, fruits and vegetables, and other high value crops.

The tramline does not only reduce the travel time of farmers in sending their farm products to customers, but also reduces the hauling cost of their farm inputs as well as reduce postharvest losses.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who led the turnover activity, advised the farmers to make good use of the project entrusted to them as it is a big help to their livelihood.

Also present in the activity were Board Members Jeffrey Tubola and Andrew Montelibano, Kabankalan Vice Mayor Miguel Zayco, Central Philippine State University president Dr. Aladino Moraca, Tagukon Punong Barangay Angel Fernando, Inapoy Punong Barangay Roberto Tarosan, Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Edmundo Causing, and Kabankalan Acting City Agriculturist Ricky Muscosa, among others. (PR)