KORONADAL CITY -- The local government unit (LGU) of Tampakan town has joined forces with the Department of Agriculture (DA) in encouraging local farmers in the area to try growing cassava as food and source of income.
Recently, Tampakan LGU and DA gathered farmers in cassava-corn techno demo harvest festival to witness how productive and beneficial cassava growing could be.
At the gathering, Tampakan Mayor Leonardo Escobillo, reasoned that they are encouraging farmers to try planting cassava in support of the efforts of the Aquino administration to achieve food staples sufficiency.
Besides palay, he said, farmers may choose cassava because it requires less production inputs and labor. As food, it is rich in fiber, he added.
Moreover, the local chief executive insists, DA has been pouring assistance to the LGU and local farmer groups
Among these are small water impounding projects that DA is set to establish in at least three areas in the municipality.
DA-12 cassava focal person Edgar Laboy, said cassava is considered the second most important staple in the country, next to cereals rice and corn.
He added that through technology demonstrations just like what they conducted in Tampakan early this month, they present to farmers the different high-yielding cassava varieties that the latter could choose from.
During the techno-demo they also distributed planting materials and other inputs to those who would like to plant in the community.
He also assured farmer associations that DA could provide cassava producers with facilities and machineries if they submit proposals.
Among these facilities they could extend, he said further, include cassava granulator, chipper, grater and tractor.
Laboy also assured farmers of market for their cassava products.
Currently, DA has partnered with San Miguel Corporation to purchase their cassava produce at P2.60 per kilo when fresh and P8 per kilo when granulated. (PR)