|
Friday, March 11, 2005
Agriculture office launches validation of agri-lands
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has launched a validation of existing agribusiness lands and idle areas in Region 10 for possible inclusion in the national government's agribusiness expansion program.
Abusama Alid, DA-10 director, said the region's four provinces and five cities have been identified by the government as proposed expansion area for its ongoing plan to develop at least 2 million agribusiness lands in the country.
Soccsksargen covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato Province, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Kidapawan, Cotabato, Koronadal and Tacurong.
Alid said such plan, which the National Government expects to generate at least two million fresh jobs, covers the opening of plantation areas for various traditional and high value agricultural crops in the region.
"The program involves the provision of production assistance such as seeds and fertilizers and the construction of vital infrastructure like farm-to-market roads, irrigation and warehouses," he said.
Alid said the provision of infrastructure support facilities would be based on the targets or priorities of the local government units.
Initially Alid said they have identified at least seven municipalities in the region as primary expansion areas for hybrid corn.
He said the proposed expansion areas are Aleosan, Pikit and Carmen in Cotabato province, Maitum and Maasim in Sarangani, Banga in South Cotabato and Senator Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Kudarat.
Soccsksargen's Regional Development Council has identified close to 50,000 hectares of lands as potential agribusiness expansion areas in the region.
The identified major rice production areas are Pigcawayan, Libungan, Kabacan, Midsayap M'lang and Tulunam towns in Cotabato province; Isulan Esperanza, Tacurong City, Lambayong and President Quirino in Sultan Kudarat, and; Santo Niño, Surallah and Tantanan in South Cotabato. (Allen V. Estabillo)
For Bisaya stories from General Santos. Click here. (This section is updated every Monday)
(March 7, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
