The Department of Agriculture (DA) led by Secretary William Dar formally opened the joint celebration of the National Rice Awareness Month and the 5th Organic Agriculture Month on November 4, 2019 at the DA Central Office in Quezon City.
With the themes, “Go Local with Rice! Help Farmers Rise!” and “OA4K: Organikong Agrikultura sa Kumikitang Kabuhayan para sa Kalusugan at Kapaligiran,” the activities reflect the DA vision of a food-secure country with prosperous farmers and fisherfolk.
During the opening program, Secretary Dar shared the success of the recently concluded 2019 National Food Security Summit that was attended by local chief executives, officials of state universities and colleges, and representatives from the private sector.
Dar said that partnerships with the concerned sectors “must prevail every step of the way” with the DA performing the “steering role” and the leaders of the local government units serving as “food security czars.”
“Let us open our hearts and minds to new development strategies,” he stressed as he urged the DA family to not only focus on increasing production, but to be guided by the value chain system approach as well.
Dar said that marketing and value-adding activities are equally important in increasing the incomes of farmers and fisherfolk.
According to the secretary, the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Program will be accelerated during this year’s National Rice Awareness Month.
“This is one of the programs I have committed to strongly monitor and evaluate, because this is the time for us to give quality service, and facilities like machines that are of high standards,” Dar said.
In addition, Dar promoted the use of organic inputs to improve soil health and ensure that plants will have the necessary nutrients.
In line with the Organic Agriculture Month, the secretary reminded everyone that organic products have their own niche market.
He said that he is strongly supportive of a balanced fertilization system using organic inputs and judicious application of inorganic fertilizer.
During the month-long celebration, various rice and organic products will be available for sale at the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita stalls located at the DA Central Office lobby. (Gumamela Celes Bejarin, DA-AFID)
