The Negros Occidental provincial government is showcasing its best agricultural products and practices during the 28th Panaad Sa Negros Festival from April 15 to 21.

On Monday, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson led the opening of the Food Security Fair and Exhibit as well as the Livestock and Dairy Fair inside the festival site at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan here.

“Come visit, participate, buy, and support our farmers and fisherfolk,” Lacson said.

Panaad Sa Negros is the province’s annual “festival of all festivals” participated by all 32 local government units in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City.

The Food Security Fair and Exhibit features corners on food security, agri-fishery technology, farmers’ information and technology services (FITS), partner agencies’ services, and the bamboo village.

The trade fair also showcases various agricultural products and farm produce at the Kadiwa ng Pangulo and Organic Trading Post (OTP).

The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) will award the “Most Promising and Innovative Product”.

The Food Security Corner presents the OPA programs and services towards ensuring food security in the province while the Agri-Fishery Technology Clinic offers a one-on-one consultation/discussion to farmer-clients with experts.

The FITS Corner provides timely and relevant agricultural and fisheries information and technology services.

Joining the exhibit are the Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform, Philippine Rice Research Institute, National Food Authority, Philippine Coconut Authority, National Irrigation Administration and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

The Panaad Bamboo Village showcases the province’s bamboo production technology and facilities.

At the Livestock and Dairy Fair, the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) held the Livestock and Poultry Raisers Day on Monday.

Activities included seminars on avian influenza status and updates, swine production and management, and gamefowl management and breeding practices.

On April 16, goat, carabao, and cattle raisers will gather for the Ruminants’ Day; Wednesday (April 17) will be the Poultry Raisers’ Day; Thursday (April 18), the Meat Processors and Post Harvest Day; Friday (April 19), Hog Raisers’ Day; and Saturday (April 20), Pets and Companion Animal Raisers’ Day. (PNA)