DA brings lifeline to Zambales farmers, fishers
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has turned over various support for farmers and fishers in Zambales province, including a P35-million modular cold storage facility to boost the farm sector in the area.
In a statement, the DA said the planned cold storage facility was designed to reduce post-harvest losses and increase the income of agricultural producers in Zambales.
Aside from the facility, the DA distributed hybrid seeds, farming machinery such as multi-cultivators, hand tractors, four-wheel drive tractors and shallow tube wells to boost irrigation in Castillejos town.
The agency vowed to deliver 150 greenhouse units with drip irrigation systems for cultivating high-value crops, such as bell pepper, ginger, tomato and carrots.
“These are expected to supply major markets in Clark, Pampanga; Subic, Zambales; and Metro Manila,” the DA said.
It also deployed a mobile soil laboratory to help assess soil condition and determine the applicable fertilizer and inputs for planting crops.
Such a laboratory is equipped with different tools and resources to diagnose the fertility status of the soil by analyzing its nutrient levels, composition and other elements.
Livestock raisers received goats, cattle, housing modules and disinfectants, while fisherfolk were given a 62-footer boat, with five more to follow, along with tilapia and catfish fingerlings to boost aquaculture production.
“We are here not just to visit, but to personally bring the support of the government. The President is aware that I am here today to deliver his message of commitment,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.
