The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has distributed 229 units of 4-in-1 knapsack power sprayers worth over P14.5 million to support sugarcane farmers in the Visayas.
Funded under the Sugar Industry Development Act (SIDA), the equipment aims to improve farm productivity, pest control, and crop protection. The sprayers can handle liquid and granule applications and also work as mist blowers.
Of the total units, 193 were given to block farm beneficiaries, 28 were assigned to SRA district offices for emergency use, and eight were allocated for research operations.
SRA officials said the equipment will help farmers manage pests and diseases, including the red-striped soft scale insect, an emerging threat to sugarcane farms.
SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona assured continued government support for farmers amid rising fuel and fertilizer costs linked to the Middle East crisis.
The turnover was followed by hands-on training for beneficiaries and SRA personnel on proper operation, maintenance, safety, and troubleshooting to ensure the equipment is used effectively and lasts longer.
