As part of the government’s efforts towards food sufficiency and sustainable production amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR) is strengthening its continuous support to farmers through the distribution of free vegetable seeds to farmers in the Province of Benguet.
A total of 602 kilograms of assorted vegetable seeds worth P2,457,903 was delivered to the 13 municipalities of the province. These seeds include pechay, okra, pole sitaw, mungbean, pumpkin, eggplant, bitter gourd, tomato, squash, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, carrot, broccoli, cauliflower, and snap beans.
The DA-CAR through its High Value Crops and Development Program (HVCDP) instituted the seed distribution to ensure food production, availability, and accessibility across the region amid the pandemic.
Moreover, to ensure that the agency’s program reaches as many beneficiaries as possible, the DA-CAR partnered with the local government unit towards assisting and supporting farmers, farmer cooperatives and associations, and the local communities.
This support is part of the DA’s Plant, Plant, Plant Program, according to HVCDP focal person Joan D. Bacbac. She added that the department has been distributing assorted vegetable seeds since March 2020 and around 31,000 individuals have benefited.
Bacbac assured that the supply of vegetable seeds will continue in the region, allowing farmers to continue planting and providing vegetables and other crops for consumers.
(DA-RFO CAR, RAFIS) – jlo
