15,000 hectares available for agribusiness–DENR
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has earmarked some 15,000 hectares of upland areas for high-value agricultural crops under the government’s National Convergence Initiative (NCI).
“I have already directed all our regional executive directors to identify at least 200 hectares per province that will be placed for development under the NCI,” Secretary Ramon Paje said.
The NCI is envisioned to harmonize the goals of three departments, namely, the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the DENR, to boost rural development.
“By strengthening the complementation of agribusiness and agro-forestry, we can address the national goals and objectives on food security, employment, poverty alleviation, and sustainable agriculture within the framework on Sustainable Rural Development,” Paje said.
Paje also ordered his 16 top regional officials to link up with their DA and DAR counterparts in drafting and implementing business plans for development of areas identified as convergence areas.*
