Seed coop, DA launch Kadiwa store in Cagayan

IN a move to help boost the marketing reach of farmers in the region, the Cagayan Seed Producers Multipurpose Cooperative (CSPMPC), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) office, launched a Kadiwa store in Tuguegarao City.

Kadiwa stands for “Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa para sa Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita,” a marketing strategy of the government that directly connects food producers to consumers, making products less costly.

Launched on January 18 at the Cagayan Valley Development Cooperative in San Gabriel village, the Kadiwa store is expected to help farmers widen their marketing reach for potential customers in the area and its neighboring communities also to reduce produce wastage.

“This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone to promote sustainable agriculture, empower local farmers and provide our community with access to fresh and affordable produce thus strengthening our commitment to fostering a vibrant community,” said Roberto Claro Busania, DA Region 2 technical director for operations and extension.

The Kadiwa store offers premium rice, vegetables, fruits, processed products and condiments to the public at reasonable and affordable prices.

Busania said the Kadiwa initiative is here “to help solve the marketing issues our producers are experiencing, eliminate intermediaries and avoid dumping of vegetables.”

CSPMPC Chairman Nestor Bautista thanked Rose Mary Aquino, the DA-Region 2 office officer in charge director, for considering the cooperative as recipient of the Kadiwa program.

CSPMPC is one of the clusters assisted by the DA-Region 2 office’s Rice and Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation Program.

“We are grateful for the trust of the DAR-RFO2 (Regional Field Office 2) in our ability to properly implement the project like the previous programs given to us,” Bautista said.

Meanwhile, CSPMPC manager Dumon Mabborang also expressed gratitude to the agencies that extended support to the cooperative.

“We thank the DA, Land Bank (Land Bank of the Philippines) and the Cooperative Development Authority for always being there for us in our endeavors,” he said.

Also thanking the DA and CSPMPC, village chief Joseph Salagan of host Barangay San Gabriel assured the barangay council’s support to the operation of Kadiwa.

“We also commit to help ensure its sustenance since it will benefit both our farmers and residents,” Salagan said.