DA-Northern Mindanao opens farmers, fisherfolk month celebration

THE Department of Agriculture (DA)-Northern Mindanao kicked off the Farmers' and Fisherfolk Month celebration with the launching of the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Trade Event on Monday, May 16, at the agency's regional office along Antonio Luna Street, Cagayan de Oro City.

The trade event is a two-day activity that showcases the fresh, quality and affordable agri-fishery and food products from local farmers and fishers.

According to DA Regional Director Carlene Collado, the trade event is a form of the agency's gratitude to the farmers and fishers who did not stop their production during the pandemic.

"As our appreciation for their efforts na kahit pandemic, itong mga farmers natin hindi huminto sa pag produce ng ating pagkain. Kung wala sila, kahit marami kang pera, wala kang mabibili," Collado said.

"This is our gesture of appreciating the efforts of our farmers. That's why we have this Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita, for them to display their products, fresh vegetables and fruits for the consumers to have cheaper but fresh food items," he added.

The agriculture department has also appointed Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) chairperson Reynaldo Cabanao as the farmer director for the month of May.

"Meron na-appoint na farmer director to assist us and also to promote and strengthen our private and public partnership wherein they have the chance to manage the affairs of the Department of Agriculture," Collado said.

The agriculture department, through its Agriculture Training Institute, also accredited five new learning sites, namely: Casa Amante Farm, Eat Right Claveria at Tikala Natural Farms, Gono Farm, JB Strawberry Farm, and USTP Claveria's Pandemic Farm and the Center for High Value Crops.

"So, by passing the criteria, the requirements, now they are already accredited to also conduct training para sa ating mga incoming farmers or mga kababayan natin na gustong matuto with regards to farming and also to promote agriculture, especially after we have survived the pandemic," Collado said.

According to the regional director, Northern Mindanao is almost sufficient in their agri-products except for onion, garlic and some other crops.

"But for the main crops, naa ta diri sa Region 10, including the livestock," Collado said.