With the intention of strengthening the vegetable value chain through the implementation of inclusive business models and increasing farmer’s income, five municipalities in the Province of Benguet have been selected as one of the pilot areas for the “Market Driven Enhancement of Vegetable Value Chain-Technical Cooperation Project” (MV2C-TCP) between the Department of Agriculture and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Leonora Verzola, Senior Agriculturist of the Department of Agriculture Cordillera (DA-CAR) Agri-business and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) explained vegetable growers in La Trinidad, Buguias, Atok, Kibungan, and Mankayan will be trained in the best technologies and cultivation techniques that will help increase the productivity of the selected farmers.
“The five selected municipalities will undergo training on the Improvement of cultivation techniques, Cold chain utilization, Improvement of packaging and transportation, Promoting trade with modern distribution, and the improvement of agro-processing,” Verzola said.
DA and JICA officials recently conducted the Kick-off Meeting and First Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) Meeting for the Implementation Phase of the Technical Cooperation Project on “Market-Driven Enhancement of Vegetable Value Chain” (MV2C-TCP) last April 17.
The MV2C-TCP was the result of the signed Records of Discussion between the Philippine government and JICA in October 2021. The initiative intends to strengthen the vegetable value chain by implementing inclusive business models, hence increasing farmer income.
The MV2C is divided into two phases: Planning and Implementation. The project’s Planning Phase was completed, in which a value chain survey and project roadmap were prepared, and the implementation to start this year until 2028.
“By providing an endeavor of knowledge and empowerment by building profitable partnerships among the Benguet growers, processors, and marketing entrepreneurs, we develop a business model viable to the vegetable farmers that generate income from their increased production,” Verzola added.
JICA envisions working not only with the farmers and national government but also with the business sector and consumers. He also urged the PH’s partners to promote much involvement from the business sector.
To share their technical guidance and experience in the model value chain, the Japanese agency has dispatched experts to the pilot areas in the Province of Benguet.
