Initially only squash and malunggay were being processed.
Now consumers can choose from a wide array of veggie based products.
This development is through the establishment of the Benguet Vegetable Processing Center, based at Benguet State University (BSU) in La Trinidad, Benguet.
The project is funded under the President's Social Fund amounting to P10 million.
The vegetables will not only be processed to noodles but also to pasta, bread, meat, sausages and nuggets, fresh juices, fresh cuts, grates and strips, frozen fresh veggies, dehydrated veggies and veggie soup-base mixes.
With the commercialization of veggie noodles, kids can have their fill of noodles and be nourished as well.
Processing Benguet vegetables into these products was done to convert perishable and bulky crops into stable and acceptable food forms; produce value-added products from fresh vegetables, legumes, root crops, cereals, spices and sea foods; formulate food products appropriate for specific nutrient requirements and to generate additional income and preserve the employment of agricultural stakeholders involved in the food chain.
These in return will reduce high post harvest losses, increase consumption of nutritious food, open alternative market outlet for fresh agricultural produce, and strengthen linkages among agricultural stakeholders.
The vegetable processing project and the Proud Harvest squash canton noodles will be launched July 30, 2008 at the Dagohoy Market, San Andres, Manila instead of BSU as initially set.
Veggie products will be available at the BSU Marketing Center and at Tindahan Natin outlets nationwide. The marketing of these products is being coordinated by the RFM food corporation.
