Three known seed companies and a small family farm from Davao City are the first entrants to the first-ever Mindanao Vegetable Derby to be held in Bukidnon Province starting August.
East West Seeds Philippines, Seedworks Philippines and Allied Botanicals have signified their interest in establishing demonstration farms for their upland vegetable varieties as their entry to a unique competition which will determine which seeds would grow and perform well in the four upland towns of Bukidnon.
A family farm from Davao City, AVGL Farms owned by Andrea Venice Garcia Leaño, will also join the derby to introduce their vegetable growing technology.
Impasugong, Talakag, Sumilao and Lantapan or the IMTASULA Complex are the four towns of Bukidnon where farmers grow vegetables.
The farming system and the quality of seeds that they use, however, need a lot of improvement through technology transfer and on-farm demonstration.
Last week, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), as part of its program to start the economic recovery of Mindanao, met with Bukidnon officials led by Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri and agreed to improve the vegetable production in the area.
The IMTASULA Complex has a total of 50,000-hectares of upland areas ideal for vegetable and high value crops production.
The area has been identified by MinDA as one of the proposed recipients of the P2.1-B Grant Fund from the European Union under the Mindanao Peace and Development Program.
MinDA has already conducted a geo-mapping of the area identifying sources of water for irrigation, roads and product consolidation areas, including watershed lines, in preparation for the implementation of a comprehensive development program for IMTASULA.
The Mindanao Vegetable Derby aims to showcase modern farming techniques and outstanding seeds and planting materials for such commodities as Carrots, Radish, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Bell Pepper, Celery and others.
Seed companies whose products will excel will be given citations and awards.
Farmers will also be encouraged to use the outstanding seeds for their farms.
The Mindanao Vegetable Derby will end by the first week of December when IMTASULA Complex stages its first ever Mindanao Vegetable Festival.
There is no entry fee and participating companies or groups will be allowed to use up to 2,000-square meters of farmer owned land for free during the demonstration period.
Last day of submission of entries will be July 31, 2020 and those interested are requested to contact the Mindanao Development Authority or Ms. Genevieve Bangcaya, Mindanao Vegetable Derby Coordinator at 09399191675.
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(All photos and images were downloaded from public websites.)
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