by Harvey Quime
As the word development implies, it is not reflected in the field of agriculture in the country. The formerly so-called “Pinnacle of agriculture” throughout Asia, was now scuffled and left behind.
Local farmers especially in the province of Aklan experience struggle caused by lack of faculties, equipment and people knowledgeable enough to help farmers cultivate a quality produce. In response to this, Vice Governor Boy Mijares Quimpo and Board member Sovietaguirre Dela Cruz headed the ongoing agricultural and fishery programs in Aklan.
This advocacy aims to create sustainable farming by providing functional facilities and crops for Akeanon farmers.
The program consists of greenhouses located in Aklan Agri-Aqua Demonstration Farm & Training Center. The greenhouse was built to showcase innovation in producing high quality crops by hydroponic, drips and irrigation system. In addition, this facility will encourage local farmers to take part in Greenhouse development.
Another facility featured in this implementation is the fresh tilapia hatcheries. This indoor functional facility helps in contributing to the increase of farmed fish products by producing a quality that can match with commercial tilapia on the market.
This initiative also included an animal breeding station with artificial insemination and soon to be an agricultural school in TESDA accreditation to give a hand to local communities in barangay Nalook Kalibo, Aklan.
As a province known for its rice sweet delicacy such as “Latik'', we can simper for delight as this program provides High Breed Rice Production and Grains Processing Center which are in charge of developing nutritious and viable staple foods for consumers.
A machinery is like a sword for every farmer, one of the primary necessities in agriculture is having machinery. As part of the initiative, machinery was provided to local farmers for convenience of their service.
With these implementations, Aklan can produce a quality product. This will enable Aklanon consumer to afford organic and affordable products as well as consistent livelihood for local farmers