LUBAO, Pampanga — The Department of Agriculture (DA) Central Luzon recently hosted the Lowland Vegetable Technology Demonstration Harvest Festival at the New Gen Agri-Farm Training Center Inc In Barangay San Francisco of this town.
Under the High Value Crops Development Program, the harvest festival was graced by National Program Director of High Value Crops Development Program Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban; chief of Field Operations Division Elma Mananes; Regional HVCDP Focal Person Engr. AB P. David; and representatives from the Provincial Agriculture Office and the City/Municipal Agriculturists of Pampanga.
The project is in line with the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) of the agency that aims to increase production of vegetables not just in farming towns, but also in rural areas to ensure food security.
The Lowland Vegetable Technology Demonstration project was launched in 21 April, and was followed by eight other training in vegetable farming, from preparing the land, up to harvesting.
The Techno Demo was participated in by four renowned seedling companies in the country that includes the Allied Botanical Corporation, Ramgo International Corporation, East-West Seed Company, and Enviro Scope Synergy Inc.
A total of 4,000 square meters was used by the festival, providing 1,000 sqm per company to showcase the various vegetables they grow like eggplants, tomatoes, bitter gourd, string beans, squash and other varieties.
Director Panganiban urged the national, regional and local government units to collaborate with the private sector to help farmers in ensuring national food security.
Project Coordinator Maria David expressed her gratitude to the agency for providing much needed assistance to farmers. She also urged farmers to directly sell their products to remove the selling agents from the equation, and coordinate with the private companies in selling their merchandise.
A total of 66 Kapampangan farmers also completed their training at the Techno Demo.