Wednesday, November 22, 2006 DA identifies new areas for high-value crops
MORE than 19,000 hectares in Davao region have been identified by the regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) as plantation areas for high value crops.
In a physical accomplishment report of the DA for the development of new lands for agri-business, it showed that a total of 19,173 hectares plantation areas for mango, banana, durian, citrus, coffee, and vegetables were validated this year with 27,138 jobs also generated.
Out of the validated area, 9,257.38 hectares and about 12,642 jobs were developed.
Among the six crops, banana posted to have the biggest area validated with a total of 10,182 hectares. Of this figure, only 4,788.4 hectares were developed.
Eleven areas each in Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, and in Compostela Valley Province were developed and validated for the banana plantation.
Meanwhile, citrus has the lowest area validated and developed with a total of 50 hectares only and 29.8 hectares, respectively.
Among the five provinces in Davao Region, Davao Oriental, and Davao del Norte have new areas for citrus plantation.
Lupon in Davao Oriental, Sto. Tomas and Carmen in Davao del Norte were visited for the validation.
The development of new lands for agribusiness was announced by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to be implemented by the DA, not only in Davao region, but nationwide during her State of the Nation Address in order to increase the production of high-value crops. (JGRS)
