Philippines: Nueva Vizcaya pushes onion, mandarin as primary products
This came after a consultation between the Provincial Program Management and Implementing Unit (PPMIU) of the province and the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Cagayan Valley.
A Value Chain Analysis (VCA) being done by the Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) is expected to be submitted by the PPMIU including a project proposal to the DA to further strengthen the productivity and marketability of local onion and mandarin products.
The introduction of onion and mandarin varieties as primary commodities of the province will open up assistance from the DA in the form of Farm-to-Market Roads (FMRs) including additional trading centers from the DA.
Once approved by the agriculture department, the provincial government will establish direct markets to prevent the intervention of middlemen. “Part of our collaborative action will be the preparation of a feasibility study while DA personnel shall provide the assessment and evaluation of these for funding,” said Alexander Domingo, acting provincial agriculturist.
Onions are produced in Aritao town while Mandarin varieties are grown in Kasibu town. Domingo said farmers in the province are expected to boost their income with the endorsement of the products as Nueva Vizcaya’s primary commodities.
“As primary products, they will be provided with assistance from the DA to improve their quality and quantity based on the demand of the market,” Domingio said.
He said bulb onions in the province are better because they are thicker and their shelf life is longer compared to other varieties of onions in other provinces.
The mandarin products in the province, Domingo added are also juicier and fresher than those imported ones. These products, he added are more favourable because they are organically-grown.
Farmer-organizations, local cooperatives and non-government organizations are also expected to support the promotion of these products.
Source: news.pia.gov.ph
