Manila, March 3 -- Thecity government on Monday renewed its commitment to boosting the local agriculture sector by handing over some PHP5 million worth of farm equipment to farmer associations.

Mayor John Dalipe led the turnover of 48 units of power tillers to 48 beneficiary farmers' associations in front of city hall following a convocation activity.

Of the 48 beneficiaries, 24 are vegetable growers' associations while the remaining 24 are corn farmers groups.

"There are eight identified associations in each agricultural district, of which four are vegetable growers, and four corn farmer associations," city agriculturist Arben Magdugo said in an interview.

He said the distributed power tillers aim to assist vegetable and corn growers...