Agri-10 leads cassava stakeholders’ dialogue to boost industry growth

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To strengthen collaboration between cassava producers and buyers, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) convened a cassava stakeholders’ roundtable discussion on January 29, here.

Spearheaded by the Corn Program, the activity gathered cassava processors and farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) from across Northern Mindanao to tackle key challenges and opportunities in cassava production, processing, and marketing, aimed at fostering sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships along the cassava value chain.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan underscored the need to strengthen production efficiency and ensure the sustainability of cassava farming.

“If we don’t reinvent the production side and subsidize some of the production costs, our farmers may stop planting cassava and may not earn enough income,” the agri chief exec said.

“We need to ensure that government interventions will make cassava production viable and profitable for our farmers,” Pacamalan added.

The agri official also reiterated the importance of accurate and timely production data to guide planning and investment decisions.

“We need to know exactly how many hectares are being planted; without this information, we risk facing either oversupply or undersupply,” he said. “An information system where farmers register their planting schedules will enable us to plan ahead and better engage potential investors,” he furthered, emphasizing the strengthened collaboration between the DA and its local counterparts to achieve this.

During the dialogue, farmers encouraged the department to explore and expand market opportunities to further drive cassava production and support local processors.

In response, DA-10 committed to improving data management and policy support by updating information on cost of production, planting schedules, cassava processors and their respective capacities, and monitoring cassava imports entering Region 10.

Actionable points raised by RED Pacamalan also included the provision of quality planting materials and post-harvest facilities, prioritizing soil sampling activities for fertilizer recommendations, and intensifying farmers’ education to warrant high-quality cassava harvests that can command premium prices.

Additionally, the regional office will continue exploring more mechanization support and pursuing policy initiatives to regulate cassava imports while also considering the streamlining of export processes, as suggested by processors.

Similar stakeholders’ consultations are set to continue in the coming months.

Under President Marcos’s administration, the activity aligns with his vision of building a stronger and more competitive agriculture sector, where enhanced partnerships among the private sector, farmers, and the government are key toward collectively achieving an inclusive and sustainable growth.# (JLO)