After assessing the market value of agribusiness hubs in government premises with direct access to the public, the Department of Agriculture kicked-off the roll out of permanent KADIWA stores in various DA-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) research centers in the country.

KADIWA is a flagship project of the DA through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service, in partnership with DA bureaus and attached agencies, and local farmers. This project aims to support the Marcos administration’s thrust to develop the agriculture sector of the country by supporting local agricultural production, augmenting the income of local farmers.

The pilot launch was conducted in DA-BPI Guimaras National Crop Research Development and Production Support Center (NCRDPSC) on September 4 and 5, 2023 while the second store was launched in DA-BPI-NCRDPSC in Los Banos, Laguna on September 15, 2023. Succeeding launches will be conducted in Davao, La Granja in Negros Occidental, and Baguio City on September 18, 22, and 28, 2023, respectively.

During the launch at the DA-BPI-NCRDPSC in Los Baños on September 15, DA-BPI Assistant Director for Research, Development, and Production Support Services Dr. Hermenegilda A. Gabertan said that, “Kung titignan natin ang whole agri-value chain, ito ay mayroong credit, inputs—kung saan pumapasok ang BPI para sa quality seeds, andiyan din ang ating production management, at itong marketing para matulugan ang mga magsasaka natin na mai-market ang kanilang produkto sa mababang presyo.”

For her part, DA-BPI Los Baños NCRDPSC Center Chief Flora A. Jarilla said that the KADIWA activity will serve as an avenue for affordable and accessible agricultural products. She is hopeful that the BPI Kadiwa will contribute to the June 2023 data of 926 identified farmer associations and organizations supporting almost 500 Kadiwa centers.

The BPI Los Baños KADIWA is expected to cater fresh produce to consumers every second Friday of the month. ### (Pamela Ruth Arciaga, DA-AFID)