Alcala calls for a sustainable food sector from organized farmers

Sunday 19th of August 2012

QUEZON CITY, Aug. 19 -- Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala urged Cebuano farmers to adapt a sustainable farming system in their production areas during a series of stakeholder's forum held in three municipalities in the province of Cebu from August 14-15, 2012 as part of the government's mission of bridging the gap and touching the hearts.

"By fully implementing a sustainable farming scheme, the local food producers would be more competitive in their respective markets and thus earn bigger income from their agri produce," he said.

Alcala also encouraged the farmers to form groups to allow themselves to produce and yield more at very minimal individual costs and take advantage of the economies of scale.

"Dapat po ay malakihan ang tanim dahil napakalaki ng merkado," he announced. "Whenever you come together and organize yourselves into a group, you are able to share the production cost, share the hard work, and share the fruits of your labor," he added.

With the Agri chief's long been campaign for cooperative movement he stressed that "there is always strength in numbers.''

During Alcala's Cebu visit, he dialogued with farmers, fishers, local government officials and other stakeholders of the rural sector to bring the programs of the government closer to them and address the concerns and issues in the agri-aqua sectors.

"Whatever agreements we reach, the DA will follow thru and provide your needs" Alcala assured the farmer-participants.

The DA chief also encouraged the local farmers to meet with the agency heads of the DA in Region VII to craft a roadmap for various commodities to ensure that targets and interventions are put into place.

"Let us help one another," he said.

Alcala has been breaking barriers for the past two years, ever since he was designated DA chief, by going around the country to deliver the good news and services of the government closer to the rural communities. (Oda Rodriguez/DA Information Service)