DA: Plant HVCCs in farms without irrigations
The Department of Agriculture 6 is urging farmers to plant high value commercial crops (HVCCs) on their un-irrigated farmlands, or those far from irrigation systems, a report of the Philippine News Agency said.
DA Regional Director Larry Nacionales said that farmers in the region, especially in farm areas that are very far from rivers and irrigation systems, should consider planting HVCCs since it does not need as much water as rice.
Nacionales said that HVCCs grow faster compared to rice, and are in demand especially that the lean months approach. Likewise, these crops are cheaper to invest in and more resilient to sudden changes in weather, pest attacks and dry soil.
The DA encouraged the planting of HVCCs after the region’s long bout with dry spell, and the depleted water source in some areas. Among top HVCCs of the region include tomatoes, root crops, squash, cassava, papayas and corn.
DA said that they are also providing free technical assistance to farmers and cooperatives on how to successfully plant HVCCs, pest management and the use of organic fertilizers.
Likewise, HVCCs are always in demand among restaurants, markets and by bulk, said Nacionales.
DA is currently working with the National Irrigation Authority in rehabilitating the vast irrigation system all over the country. It presently urges farmers to resort on planting strategies which do not rely much on water coming from the irrigation.*
