By Pearl Gumapos
In 1995, Republic Act 7900, or the High Value Crops Development Program was created for the Department of Agriculture (DA) to implement.
The act was created to promote the production, processing, marketing, and distribution of high-value crops in the form of a program called High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP).
HVCDP was made to also contribute to the attainment of food self-sufficiency, economic growth, and enhancement of consumers’ health and welfare.
“Itong aming programa, ang HVCDP, ay nabigyan ng mandato na RA 7900. Itong act na ito ay nagma-mandate sa DA upang ating isulong ang pag-produce, pagproseso, at pag-market ng ating high-value crops para makatulong sa livelihood ng ating mga farmers at ma-open iyong opportunity par amakapag-export tayo,” DA Director Glenn Panganiban said during the OneDA sa TV program last Saturday (Mar. 12).
Some examples of high-value crops are bananas, mangoes, coffee and cocoa beans, potatoes, and highland and lowland vegetables.
Panganiban says the DA is currently developing several industries including the dragonfruit industry which will be promoted for exportation.
“Iyong program natin ay sumusuporta tayo sa pamamagitan ng pag-fund sa production support. Nandiyan din iyong ating suporta para sa ating agricultural machineries. Mayroon din tayong pa-training,” Panganiban said.
The program aims to increase production, income, and livelihood opportunities among small producers, and to provide access to affordable, safe, and healthy food.
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