Farmers party bats for highland farming

PORAC -- The Butil Farmers Party distributed highland vegetable seeds to farmers in a bid to develop a highland farming industry here that would capitalize on the production of high value crops.

Butil Farmers Party Rep. Agapito Guanlao said they have distributed vegetable seeds for highland farming and are encouraging farmer cooperatives here to possibly go into pineapple and coffee bean production in the area.

Guablao, who led the 5th Farmers Day Event, said Porac town covers vast highland areas that is suitable for highland farming.

"We hope to help Aeta tribes who cover much of the highland region that is suitable for farming.  We hope to improve their existing highland farming technology and introduce high value crops," Guanlao said, adding that once a steady source of highland vegetables is achieved, vegetable supply for Pampanga would be more affordable and result in better income for farmers.  

He added that farmers may avail themselves of the loan program of Butil if wishing to undertake highland farming. 

Butil is also giving away carts for vegetable farmers who would like to go into selling their products directly to consumers.  The carts are given through the Labor and Employment department.

"We would like to give farmers and vegetable growers here the mobility to sell their produce and other by-products from their farms. The carts will also include a start-up capital of P3,000 to help the beneficiaries sell other products with their carts,” Guanlao said.