The Department of Agriculture (DA) – Cordillera has been connecting Ifugao’s tomato farmers to buyers in the city, bringing cheap but high-quality produce through the Kadiwa initiative.
“This is part of our ongoing marketing initiatives for tomatoes that started last year, especially during this season when production significantly increases due to favorable climatic conditions in the Cordillera,” DA-Cordillera Director Jennilyn Dawayan said in a message Thursday.
At least 10 tons of tomatoes arrived in the city from Tuesday to Thursday as part of the initiative. The tomatoes are sold at PHP20 per kg.
She said that from November last year to February, the region experienced a cooler highland climate that is ideal for tomato production.
“These temperature conditions improve fruit setting, size, color, and overall quality. There is also generally less intense rainfall compared to peak monsoon months, which helps reduce disease pressure,” she said.
The favorable growing conditions and production are expected to increase from December to March.
Recognizing the seasonal production pattern, Dawayan said DA-Cordillera proactively activates the marketing support mechanisms to ensure stable market access and better price opportunities for the farmers.
“Rather than waiting for market disruptions, we prepare ahead of the peak harvest period by strengthening linkages with buyers and institutional markets,” she said.
Dawayan added that the initiative is part of the commitment for March and the continuing collaboration with the Cordillera Association of Regional Executives (CARE) and other urban communities.
The DA’s Kadiwa truck moves from one government agency to another to deliver the bulk orders of offices, which are from the consolidated requests of employees.
“We provide affordable and quality tomatoes fresh from the farms, while the public is also provided the chance to buy cheap commodities,” he said.
The truck also brings other products, such as eggs, vegetables, and other products.
Dawayan said they are strengthening market linkages and expanding market channels by connecting farmers directly with buyers, including institutional and inter-provincial markets, while increasing awareness of available products and educating producers on market requirements.
She also said that part of the DA’s strategy is to craft advanced production planning and to cluster farmers by organizing them into groups to coordinate planting schedules, improve efficiency, and reduce post-harvest losses.
Through the help of other agencies, the DA is also promoting value-adding and processing of produce to reduce dependence on the fresh market and extend shelf life.
“Through these coordinated efforts, we aim to ensure sustainable market access, better income opportunities for tomato farmers, and a more responsive and informed market ecosystem,” she said. (PNA)
