Group pushes more support for fruit farmers

DAVAO. The agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and members of Ugnayan ng mga Nagsasariling Lokal na Organisasyon sa Kanayunan (Unorka)-Mindanao during the Farmer’s Mindanao Conference 2019 July 12-13. (Photo from Mindanao Development Authority [Minda])
DAVAO. The agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and members of Ugnayan ng mga Nagsasariling Lokal na Organisasyon sa Kanayunan (Unorka)-Mindanao during the Farmer’s Mindanao Conference 2019 July 12-13. (Photo from Mindanao Development Authority [Minda])

UGNAYAN ng mga Nagsasariling Lokal na Organisasyon sa Kanayunan (Unorka)-Mindanao wants the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and other relevant government agencies to mentor the fruits farmers in order to advance its production in the value-chain.

During the Farmer’s Mindanao Conference 2019 July 12 to 13, the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) drafted resolution no. 3, series of 2019 as part of their first step in the goal to help the farmers in Mindanao.

Unorka expressed that fruit farmers have been experiencing severe post-harvest problems due to widespread pest infestation and ineffective soil and nutrient management, including the lack of facilities nad equipment for processing and storage during harvest season.

They added in the resolution that a “sufficient and specific information and technology are needed to produce quality fruits and necessary capacity for proper production to ensure reliable supply”.

In a phone interview Friday, July 19, DOST regional director Anthony Sales said they will provide innovation support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) including those in agriculture sector to increase productivity and enhance product quality through their Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (Setup).

“They have our full support because it is agriculture and horticulture which is our priority,” Sales said.

He added that the request of Unorka will be acted on immediately as it is also their goal to help the farmers through the programs under the agency. He said they will have to further check on the request of the organization, conduct meetings, and come up with an action plan.

“Next step, we need to identify the particular SME trainings and other appropriate interventions so that we can identify the experts we will need to send,” Sales said.

Meanwhile, Department of Agriculture-Davao director Ricardo Oñate said they already received the resolution form UNORKA and have expressed support in mentorship to fruit farmers. (Cristita L. Canoy, MSU-intern/with Lyka Amethyst H. Casamayor)

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