BOHOL, September 8, 2021 – Representatives of 9 farmers’ associations in Bohol and 9 trainers of the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program in Region 7 were equipped on vegetable processing and value-adding from August 25 to 26. The activity was conducted in partnership with the Federated Rural Improvement Club (FRIC) of Lila, Bohol. 

The associations are Cantores SAAD Farmers Association (45 members), Lubang Small-Scale Vegetable Farmers Association (45 members), Nueva Montaña SAAD Farmers Association (45 members), Taytay SAAD Farmers Association (45 members), Cabasakan Farmers Association (45 members), Saguise SAAD Farmers Association (45 members), Poblacion Special Area for Agricultural Development Farmers Association, San Jose Young SAAD Farmers Organization (45 members), and Campamanog Carabao and Vegetables Farmers Association (45 members). They are from the municipalities of Buenavista, Getafe, Bien Unido, and Pres. Carlos P. Garcia.

“The activity is essential for the development of community enterprises by the SAAD-assisted associations since the income from the raw and fresh vegetables is minimal. Participating in value-adding activities will help earn extra income,” said SAAD Bohol Provincial Focal Leonila Gono.

The trainers and farmers learned the techniques in processing vegetables into squash noodles, squash fresh miki, garlic and barbeque-flavored squash chips, vegetable pickles, veggie balls (alternative to fish balls), banana cheese balls, banana cake, and camote cheese rolls. 

The raw materials for the products came from the livelihood project implemented by the program. SAAD Region 7 has allocated a total budget of Php 8,357,470 for the vegetable production project in Bohol in 2021.

SAAD Bohol provincial office plans to link the assisted associations to other partner government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Science and Technology to widen their knowledge in venturing into agribusiness, value-adding, and food safety.

SAAD Bohol also targets to educate other farmers in Mabini, Bohol in the last week of September in partnership with the Mabini Federated RIC. ###

Source: SAAD Bohol Provincial Coordinator Ian H. Egam
Writer: SAAD Region 7 Information Officer Jolina T. Daño
Copy-editor: Natalianne Marie O. Delos Reyes, PR and Comms Officer- SAAD NPMO