The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR) strategizes more assistance for the tomato farmers of Tinoc, Ifugao in order to lessen, if not, prevent more dumping of unsold tomatoes due to lack of buyers.
Tomato has become a major crop in Ifugao province especially in the municipality of Tinoc with its cool climate which allows it to grow varied kinds of agricultural products. The crop was introduced in the municipality 6-7 years ago.
The DA-CAR, through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), enhances its market channels particularly the ‘Kadiwa Express’ initiative by looking into more possible tomato buyers while also negotiating with other highland vegetable buyers to include tomatoes in their packages. As of June 14, 2020, 11 group of buyers were directly linked to Tinoc farmers who bought a total of 26 metric tons (MT) of tomatoes.
Moreover, eight groups and numerous individual farmers in Benguet, Mt. Province and Ifugao are directly linked to seven private buyer-entities who gave their commitments to procure vegetables in the region. For this week, these farmers are to supply them a total of 18.5MT of tomatoes worth Php166, 000.00.
Meanwhile, the DA-CAR is exploring alternate Bagsakan or Trading Market for highland vegetables together with the Northern Command of the Philippine Army and DA-RFO 3. The Northern Luzon Command, through its Civil Affairs Support Team, currently stationed at Tibby’s Farm, Angeles City, Pampanga intends to open a “Trading Post” in San Fernando, Pampanga Province for trading of agricultural commodities including meat produce in the area. (DA-PR)
