The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) MIMAROPA distributed a total of 11,630 packets of assorted vegetable seeds worth Php777,787.50 to 22 farmers’ associations across Occidental Mindoro, Romblon, and Palawan from May 18 to 22.
Of the total seed allocation, 9,760 packets were distributed to 16 farmers’ associations in Romblon, 960 packets to three (3) associations in Occidental Mindoro, and 910 packets to three (3) associations in Palawan.
Twelve associations are currently engaged in vegetable production, while 10 associations implement diversified farming systems that integrate vegetables with livestock and poultry.
Distributed seeds include ampalaya, eggplant, pole sitao, okra, squash, green chili, and pechay. These are expected to be planted during the rainy season in communal farms to support proper crop establishment and improved harvest.
The initiative is part of the Program’s continuing efforts to help strengthen food security, enhance farm productivity, reduce expenses, and contribute to the improvement of livelihoods of its beneficiaries.
DA MIMAROPA Regional Executive Director and SAAD MIMAROPA Regional Focal Person Atty. Christopher R. Bañas emphasized the Department’s efforts to strengthen vegetable production across the region and the proper utilization of interventions to improve productivity and income.
“Maliban sa mga palay, mais, at iba pang pananim, patuloy rin nating pinalalakas ang produksyon ng gulay sa buong rehiyon. Sa pamamagitan ng SAAD Program, inaasahan nating maitataguyod ng ating mga benepisyaryo ang maayos na pagtatanim ng lahat ng binhing kanilang natanggap upang makatulong sa pagtaas ng kanilang kita sa panahon ng anihan,” said RED Bañas.
[Aside from rice, corn, and other crops, we continue to strengthen vegetable production across the region. Through the SAAD Program, we expect our beneficiaries to properly plant all the seeds they received to help increase their income during harvest time.]
Prior to the seed distribution, DA – SAAD MIMAROPA conducted specialized training sessions on vegetable production and postharvest management to ensure proper utilization of the distributed inputs and strengthen the productivity and sustainability of beneficiaries’ livelihood toward community-based enterprises.
