Benguet, DA ink MOA to up high value crops production

By Susan C. Aro

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet--  The Department of Agriculture  and provincial government  of Benguet  recently   forged  a memorandum of agreement   to  enhance production of high value crops.

The project dubbed, “Enhancement and sustainability of high value crops production in Benguet,” has  a project  cost  of  P3.57 million of which the provincial government committed 15 percent as counterpart.

The DA, which is implementing development programs to attain food self-sufficiency, is now prioritizing production of quality vegetables and coffee which are cost competitive.

Part of the agency’s role is to increase volume of production, as part of expansion program.

While the provincial government has projects of its own in helping the vegetable and coffee farmers including the development of the vegetable and coffee industry, it has common and complementary objectives with the DA in achieving greater production of such commodities towards high quality production at the same time achieving financial viability for the farmers.

Earlier, the provincial board through Resolution Number 14-388 authorized Gov. Nestor Fongwan to enter into a MOA with DA Secretary Proceso Alcala on said project.

The provincial government proposed the project which passed evaluation by the DA High Value Crops Development Program.

DA-HVCDP regional field office – Cordillera Region will provide necessary technical support and monitor implementation of the project.

The provincial government will prepare guidelines for successful implementation of the project.