Tarlac governor bares programs for farmers
CLARK FREEPORT -Tarlac Governor Susan Yap said the provincial government has implemented several programs for farmers. She said these are under the "Pagkain Muna" program initiated by the province.
"Ikinagagalak ko pong ibahagi sa inyo na marami nang proyektong nailunsad mula sa ating Pagkain Muna initiative," Yap said.
She said Tarlac is an agricultural province and the farmers need all the support that the government can give.
"Bilang isang agricultural province, prayoridad po natin na suportahan ang ating local farmers at palaguin ang ating self-sustaining food resources," the governor said.
She cited the modernization of farming cooperatives through distribution of equipment and vehi cl es.
"Last y ear nakapagbigay po tayo ng P112 million worth ng iba't ibang equipment para sa ating mga farmers. Yung crops natin, mga gulay na dine-develop," Yap said.
Tarlac exports around 10,000 tons of okra to Japan, according to her.
"Alam niyo ho ba na ang Tarlac is the biggest exporter of okra. We export about 10,000 tons of okra to Japan. Ito ay itinatanim sa Tarlac City at saka sa Lapaz," Yap sai d.
Aside from these, the province also maintains green houses where high value crops are grown, she added.
"Mayroon din tayong mga programa ngayong on greenhouse para all season nakakapagtanim tayo ng ibat-ibang vegetables," Yap said.
As a response to COVID 19 pandemic, the governor said she initiated the community farm pr oject .
"Parang ito yung katumbas nung community pantry dahil gusto ko maging self-sustaining ang ating mga barangay na kahit magkaroon ng lockdown ay mayroon silang pagkukunan ng pagkain," Yap added.
Another program the governor initiated is the 25-hectare agricultural farm in Victoria town.
"Ito ay 25-hectare property ng probinsiya kung saan tayo ay naglalagay ng green houses, rice mills, storage," Yap said.
"It will be a training center and a modern facility po na pwedeng gamitin ng ating magsasaka, mga producers to process their food, and receive more training para ma-improve ang kanilang pagtatanim," she added.