“We have to ensure that the farmers not only have high levels of productivity. But see to it that at the end of the day, they will also have higher income.”

This was the message of Agriculture Secretary William Dar to the members of the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC) Project Steering Board in a meeting on September 21, 2019.

In line with the twin-objectives of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to improve the productivity and income of farmers and fisherfolk, Dar urged the BAPTC Board to adopt an inclusive agri-business approach.

He said the farmers will be empowered more if they are grouped together in the form of associations or cooperatives that could partner with the DA and avail of project assistance and other interventions.

“Let’s not produce what we cannot market,” Dar said stressing the importance of a market-oriented approach in the production and marketing of agricultural produce.

In addition, he advised for the holistic view of improving the value chain.

“See to it that the value chain system works flawlessly,” he told the BAPTC Board.

Considering the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Trade Corporation as model, Dar also instructed the Board to study the requirements for BAPTC to establish a joint venture corporation for the farmers in partnership with the private sector and local government units. ### (Gumamela Celes Bejarin, DA-AFID)