Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado’s (Bohol, 2nd District) exploration for still another livelihood scheme for farmers is nearing realization.

This after the chief financial officer (CFO) of a multi-billion peso company said he will visit Bohol before the year ends for a look-see of rice lands and other areas as well as dams preparatory to the implementation of corporate farming. The dams are a plus factor for the rice farmers as these provide irrigation during dry spells. Irrigated rice lands stand a better chance than rain-fed fields when the El Niño phenomenon or extended dry spell strikes.

The solon said the CFO will conduct a financial feasibility study in order to draw the best scheme to implement the program. The study will also map the criteria to determine qualified farmer-participants.

He said he is stepping up on best farming schemes to boost productivity so that Bohol will be competitive when the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) integration is implemented in 2017.

Under the scheme, the company will spend for everything needed to plant palay – the farmers do not spend anything at all.

On top of that, Aumentado said the investor will pay at least the minimum wage to the farmers for the land preparation and rice planting, weeding and fertilization as well as pay rent for the use of their lands.

He added that the investors will assume the risks brought on by typhoons, drought, pest infestations and the like.
On top of that, participating farmers will also be enrolled with the Social Security System (SSS) so that after years of work while in their prime, they can have support to tide them over during their sunset years.

The investor admitted that they chose to partner with the solon for this venture after knowing fully the brand of leadership the Aumentados have. (By June S. Blanco)