BAUTISTA -- The Provincial Government has stepped-up efforts to help farmers save their crops from the effects of El Niño phenomenon.
Governor Amado Espino Jr. recently turned-over 200 units of water pump to the Pangasinan Federation of Irrigators Association, Inc. through its president Oftociano Manalo.
He said these will help farmers who cannot afford to own a water pump, especially farmers whose lands were damaged by the recent typhoons that hit the province.
Manalo said this is part of the 500 units (five-horsepower engine) they have earlier requested.
The farm equipment is owned by the association. These will be distributed to farmers in Central and Eastern Pangasinan who were given priority to save their lands planted with corn.
The water pumps will be lent to the farmer/irrigator-members, the latter will shoulder the gasoline and the needed maintenance like oil.
Part of the agreement also is that one water pump will be used to irrigate three to five hectares of farmland.
Manalo expressed gratitude to the governor for the immediate response to their needs. He said water pumps are of great help to the farmers.