Farmers in Sta. Catalina, Ilocos Sur are diversifying their income by integrating cattle and vegetable farming through the livelihood projects of the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA – SAAD) Program Phase 2.
The Paratong Farmers’ Association, consisting of 83 members, recently received a significant boost to their operations. They were given 3,000 packs of cabbage seeds and 3,000 packs of cauliflower seeds, which they will plant in their communal vegetable garden.
In addition, they received 44 containers of multivitamins enriched with amino acids, electrolytes, and probiotics for their cattle. These combined agricultural inputs worth Php 426,560 is part of SAAD’s integrated Vegetable and Cattle Production.
This assistance is expected to improve Sta. Catalina farmers’ overall farm productivity. The cabbage and cauliflower seeds will enable them to cultivate a substantial vegetable harvest, providing a consistent revenue stream throughout the growing season.
Their potential revenue can supplement their cattle-raising operations, creating a more stable and reliable financial foundation. The improved nutrition provided by the multivitamins will lead to healthier cattle, resulting in higher-quality meat and potentially increased milk production, further boosting their earnings.
The integrated approach allows for efficient resource utilization; cattle manure will enrich the soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and promoting sustainable farming practices.
FA President Teresita Raqueño expressed gratitude on behalf of her local farming community. “Agyaman kami kadagiti tulong ti SAAD kadakami a mannalon. Adu ti nagbaliwan ti biag mi sipud idi adda ti programa. Saan tayon a problema ti ganagan, abuno, ken makinarya.”
[We are grateful for SAAD’s support. Our lives as farmers have improved because of the program. We no longer worry about seeds, fertilizers, and machinery.]
She also encouraged fellow farmers to stay patient and hopeful, as more opportunities continue to come their way. “Adu ti ahensiya ti tumultulong kadatayo a mannalon. Agan-anus tayo ken agtultuloy tayo nga agtrabaho para iti nasayaat a masakbayan.”
[Many agencies are helping us farmers. Let us be patient and keep working for a better future.]
By supporting integrated farming practices like those in Sta. Catalina, SAAD Program in Ilocos not only enhances food security in Ilocos Sur, but also empowers farmers like those in the FA to improve their quality of life and build a more resilient agricultural sector for themselves and their community. ###
