DA-NorMin upskills farmer groups on processing, marketing of squash and sweet potato-based products

 

ILIGAN CITY — Geared at upscaling the capability of local food processors for value-adding, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) conducted a consultation meeting cum workshop on the market potential of Halal squash puree and sweet potato paste, on November 18 to 19, in this city.

Spearheaded by the agency’s Halal Food Industry Development Program (DA-HFIDP), with the support of the City Agriculture Office of Iligan City, the activity drew participants from different farmers groups and associations here, who were apprised on the key stages in post-production of both commodities, particularly marketing value-added squash and sweet potato products.

DA-10 Provincial Operations Center chief for Lanao del Norte Engr. Abdulharis P. Paporo, who also serves as the alternate focal person of the HFIDP, said that the training aligns with the program’s goal to enhance the capability of local producers of Halal products, further underscoring its economic advantage seen to benefit existing and potential consumers and entrepreneurs.
For the two-day activity, DA-10 has partnered with ready-to-eat food enterprise Best Friend Goodies, represented by Jude Andrea Eve Maternal, who facilitated the workshop on producing squash puree and sweet potato paste.

Relating her experience with their enterprise, Maternal said that the value-adding process better equips local producers to access and serve a wider market for their produce, particularly consumers with interests in nutritional and ready-to-eat food items.

The DA-HFIDP, launched in 2018, is among the Department’s banner programs that aims to develop the country’s Halal Industry and enhance the global competitiveness of existing and potential exporters of Halal products, processes, and services.

In Northern Mindanao, DA-10 has also facilitated trainings on Halal meat, goat production, and rabbit production in 2024, under the HFIDP.# (GDA/Photos supplied)