WV still the country's food basket
Department of Agriculture Secretary Domingo Panganiban expressed optimism that Western Visayas will continue to play a big role in the food production of the country as the region's agricultural sector produced farm goods reaching to a whooping P71 billion last year.
Panganiban, in his speech which was read by DA Undersecretary for Livestock and Fisheries Salvador Salacup during the opening of the Agri-Fair 2005 last Wednesday said they have reasons to be optimistic because of the impressive records of the region.
The Agri-Fair was initiated by the agriculture department. This year's theme is Agri-Entrepreneurship: The Key Towards Global Competitiveness. The weeklong trade fair is being held at Robinson's Place Iloilo.
In 2004, the total value of crops produced by Western Visayas farmers ranked the highest at over P38 billion. “The crop farmers of Western Visayas are the biggest producers of rice in the country in spite of the frequently increment weather,” said Panganiban.
The fishers ranked third with P5.5 billion worth of fishery produced. The livestock followed with P10.3 billion and fifth is the poultry sector with P6.6 billion.
The region's agricultural sector responded to the challenge with vigor and enthusiasm for which the people of Western Visayas are known, said Panganiban.
On his part, Salacup said the holding of agri-exhibits is an avenue to promote agri and fisheries winners. “There are lots of products sold in the trade fair which could compete in the international market,” he noted.
Salacup particularly cited the Guimaras mangoes. He said foreigners are receptive of the Guimaras mangoes when it was displayed in the recent Chicago trade fair in the United States. The foreigners were tantalized of the aromatic smell of Guimaras mangoes that they even bit the peel, he said.
With the positive response in the international market, Salacup urge the local mango growers to increase their production. It has a sure market not only in the local or national market but as well as in the international market. “The United States, Australia and Taiwan are waiting for the Guimaras mangoes,” said Salacup.