DA to fully develop the potentials of Mindanao

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar reported that the government will invest more to fully develop the potentials of Mindanao. DA created program and projects that will help Mindanao to attain more opportunities.

Moreover, Dar explained that his department will work with the legislative body towards industrialization and mechanization of agriculture, and see that the vision is realized.

“It is important to note that top of our exports come from Mindanao. We will maximize the good soil and weather,” he added.

Even though that the source of export quality produce is stable, Mindanao will remain on top of the country’s development agenda.

Mindanao produce 40 percent of the food requirements of the Philippines and has 30 percent contribution of the national food trade, data from United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization presented.

To fully develop the potentials of Mindanao, governors and district representatives of Davao Region are requested by Secretary Dar to partner with DA to assist rice farmers in improving their productivity and increase income.

“Dar urged local government leaders to avail of loans and credit assistance from financial institutions including the Land Bank of the Philippines to aid them in financing the palay buying program for their farmers,” Philstar reported.

What’s more, Dar also mandated the National Food Authority (NFA) to buy dry palay at Php19 per kilogram. Wet palay, on the otherhand, will be bought for a lower price of Php15-16 per kilo.

Further, Dar also highlighted that the government officials are urged to campaign for cleanliness to maintain a healthy swine industry.

“You are at the frontline, you must maintain safety standards and measures to manage, control and contain any form of swine disease. Do not engage in swill feeding as this may pose a health risk to the swine sector,” Dar mentioned.

Source: https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/09/18/1952649/da-invest-more-mindanao