The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) distributed 229 units of 4-in-1 knapsack power sprayers worth more than P14.5 million to sugarcane farmers and field offices in the Visayas under the Sugar Industry Development Act.
The agency said the multi-purpose sprayers, turned over on May 12, handle granule and liquid formulations and function as mister blowers to improve crop protection and farm operations.
It said of the total units, 193 went to block farm beneficiaries from 2016 to 2026. SRA also assigned 28 units to its mill district offices for field deployment and 8 units to the La Granja Agricultural Research and Extension Center for research and field operations.
SRA research, development and extension deputy administrator Ma. Lourdes Almodiente said the equipment supports pest and disease management programs, including the application of bio-microorganisms and beneficial fungi against the red-striped soft scale insect affecting sugarcane farms.
SRA administrator and chief executive Pablo Luis Azcona said the agency will continue supporting the sugar industry amid rising fuel and fertilizer costs driven by the Middle East crisis.
SRA board member and planters’ representative David Andrew Sanson called on sugarcane farmers to support government programs and strengthen cooperation within the industry.
Farmer-beneficiaries said the mechanization support helps improve farm operations and sustain productivity.
 distributed P14.5 million worth of power sprayers to Visayas sugarcane farmers to boost productivity and pest management.){kind=link}