DA to put up trading

Post in Bohol –Alcala

MANILA, October 20, (PIA)—Agriculture secretary Proceso Alcala reveals government plan to put up a good and strategic trading post in Bohol.

This is in line with the bid to elevate the agro-industry production here and create a local source for the demand for vegetables here.

The plan could also maximize high value commercial production in Bohol, especially that the highlands in Jagna, Duero and Sierra Bullones have proven to be good for vegetable farming.

But, with vegetables as easily damaging crops unsuitable for long storage and uncertain market connection, most farmers would rather not pant than waste these in the process of getting to the markets.

Alcala, who came to Bohol as guest of honor and speaker during the World Food day celebration in Bohol October 14, told Boholanos that about 50-60% of vegetables consumed here come from outside Bohol.

Many believe such is so because Boholanos do not see vegetable production as profitable without the proper market assistance and infrastructure set up.

“It is high time that we put up a good strategic trading post in Bohol,” Alcala announced during the jampacked crowd gathered at the Bohol Cultural Center.

Already a set up infrastructure technology during the previous administration, the trading post concept is a resurrection of the “bagsakan centers,” which then Agriculture secretary Artur Yap implemented in his term.

“We refuse to call it bagsakan anymore,” Alcala said, “because even before it could soar, it has already fallen,” he quipped, unmindful of the presence of the former aggie chief in the stage.

The Quezon born former congressman and now agriculture czar asserted that a trading post still uses the middlemen but regulates them so it levels the prices and facilitates the marketability of vegetables.

Here, with a trading post strategically located, a farmer owning 2-3 hectares can easily move up his economic status by sending their produce to the trading hub.

In his home in Sariaya Quezon, a farmer of 2-3 hectare farm have sent their produce to trading posts and are now silent millionaires.

“We will continue to help in making Bohol people’s lives better, the secretary” said. (rac/PIA-7/Bohol)