DA: P1.58 billion worth of produce of farmers, fishers bought by LGUs

At least 245 local government units (LGUs) have bought P1.58 billion worth of agricultural products from farmers and fisherfolk to boost their livelihood during the enhanced community quarantine due to COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Agriculture said Thursday.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said this amount is on top of P169 million that the farmers and fisherfolk earned from the Kadiwa stores, an initiative which brought agricultural products to the cities to sell them at lower prices.

The Kadiwa initiative, Dar said, benefited 2,208 suppliers and served 95,569 households.

As this developed, Dar assured the public of adequate food supply even amid the dry weather because of early preparation.

“Sapat po ang ating supply ng pagkain, kabilang ang bigas, gulay, isda, manok,” Dar said.

“Sa bigas po, nakipag-ugnayan na tayo sa National Irrigation Authority para  masimulan na ang early planting strategy, kaya ang presyo ng bigas sa merkado, hindi tataas,” Dar added.

Dar also said rice production is expected to be improved with the provision of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund under the Rice Tarrification law, distribution of fertilizers, as well as implementation of planting inbred and hybrid rice.

“We want to cover 2.5 million hectares. Kaya from 87 percent sufficiency, we expect to reach 93 to 97 percent,” Dar said.

As for financial assistance to rice farmers during COVID-19, Dar said at least 592,000 farmers received cash aid.

Another P230 million was also earmarked by the government for livelihood assistance to indigenous peoples. —LDF, GMA News