Veggie farmers get boost from officials

PORAC -- Some 70 vegetable farmers from Barangay Sta. Cruz here received two farm irrigation machines and are set to undergo development seminars through the initiative of Governor Lilia Pineda, Mayor Condralito dela Cruz and Vice Mayor Dexter David.

The move aims to develop the vibrant vegetable growing industry here into a full-blown commercial enterprise.

At present, vegetable growers here are selling their produce to vegetable haulers and are yet to have their own direct commercial network that can greatly boost their regular income.

The town farmers produce high-value vegetables like spinach, river spinach, spring onions, mustard cabbage, among others.

Pineda said the irrigation machines will be used by the farmers through a rotational schedule that will be determined by their group.

She said vegetable farmers should be given enough assistance to better improve their production capability.

She added that a strong vegetable supply chain will be beneficial in sustaining vegetable demands of northern Pampanga markets.

"I have also tasked my officers in the Provincial Cooperative and Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCEDO) to organize farmers here and conduct seminars and trainings on value-added vegetable production. These farmers should also look into the development of their livelihood and entertain the possibility of becoming entrepreneurs themselves," she said.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor David said they will ensure that all farmers will join the training being organized by the governor.

He said he has instructed the local municipal agricultural office to ensure that all farmers will be included in the cooperative organization that will cater to their needs.