Four-hundred ninety-seven (497) farmers in Cagayan Valley have more reasons to celebrate as the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) rolls out a greenhouse initiative that guarantees to enhance their seedling production and improve livelihoods across the region.
Through this intervention, four Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs), the Cabaleng San Isidro Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (CASIFA Coop), Dur-as Farmers Association (DFA), Nag-et Farmers Association (NFA), and La Paz Agriculture and Fishery Farmers Association (LAFFA), have each received greenhouses worth P200,000 each. These facilities are designed to provide a controlled environment for seedling production, enabling year-round cultivation regardless of weather conditions.
Each 5’x7’ greenhouse can accommodate up to 300 seedling trays and is built to endure natural disasters such as typhoons. Designed to maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels, these structures also protect crops from pests and diseases, ensuring higher survival rates and better-quality seedlings.
The Kayvayvanan Umhakaw Nu Basco Farmers Association (KUNB FA), the pilot FCA in Batanes, received 2 units of Tunnel Type of Greenhouse which cost P183,000 each. The six expansion FCAs which include the Gunglo Dagiti Mannalon ti Portugal (GUMAPO), Patanad Farmers Association (PFA), Cardenas Multi-Purpose Farmers Association (CAMFA), Batag Farmers Association (BFA), Isamurong Farmers Association (ISMR FA), and Nyoy Farmers Association were also given greenhouse materials.
“This initiative is not only about increasing production but also about creating new opportunities for income. Through these greenhouses, farmers can sell both vegetables and seedlings, providing a steady source of livelihood,” said Social Preparation & Program Management Sub-unit Staff Engr. Marjorie P. Decena.
Engr. Decena added that the selection of crops will depend on each FCA’s enterprise strategy, local demand, and available resources. Most types of vegetables can thrive in the greenhouse, making the project highly adaptable to different community needs.
A standout feature of the project is its integration of vermicomposting, with organic fertilizer beds located beneath the seedling trays. This supports the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) and helps reduce the cost of farm inputs. To maximize the impact, DA-SAAD will also conduct vermicomposting training for all recipient FCAs, further enabling them to produce and sell organic fertilizers, another potential income stream.
With the greenhouses now in place, FCAs in the region are well-positioned to overcome challenges brought by erratic weather patterns, improve food production, and grow their agricultural enterprises both communally and individually. ###
