By Ellalyn de Vera-Ruiz
The “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” direct marketing program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) has so far benefited 12,000 farmers and consumers in Metro Manila and other major urban centers.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar (MANILA BULLETIN)
“We are delighted to report that key players in the food value chain, from farmers on the supply side and consumers on the demand, are reaping the benefits of our ‘Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita,’” DA Secretary William Dar said.
He cited the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center reporting a total of 5,568 farmers who have directly benefited from the Kadiwa orders.
Initially, Kadiwa activities have engaged about 12,000 farmers, market porters, packagers, and truckers, among other workers in the food value chain, Dar pointed out.
“We are happy that our Kadiwa program serves a double-edged purpose of reaching out to farmer-producers and other community workers, while providing access to fresh and affordable food to consumers,” the DA chief said.
Despite challenges in the initial implementation of the Kadiwa program, he added, the DA’s efforts through its Agribusiness Marketing and Assistance Service (AMAS) are starting to pay off, as more people in Metro Manila and other urban areas now have access to fresh and affordable food products.
“We are happy that our local chief executives and private sector are heeding our call and taking advantage of reasonably-priced agri-fishery products sold in Kadiwa outlets. Not only they providing affordable and nutritious food to their constituents, also keeping our farmers and fisherfolk afloat in this time of crisis,” he said.
At present, Kadiwa has three components: Kadiwa on Wheels, Kadiwa Retail, and Kadiwa Online. The stores are tailor-fit depending on the customers’ requirements, DA assistant secretary for agribusiness and marketing Kristine Evangelista said.
Serving as its logistics and transport system is the Kadiwa Express, which facilitates efficient movement of agri-fishery and food products.
With the launch of the Kadiwa multi-platform system, Dar said the DA is expecting more local government units and entities to participate in the enhanced “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” program.
In pursuit of the Kadiwa program, the AMAS has engaged 80 barangays and cities in the National Capital Region, including homeowners’ associations in Caloocan, Manila, Pasig, Navotas, Taguig, Pasay, Mandaluyong, Pateros, and Cainta, Rizal.
Dar said Kadiwa outlets will also cater to the poorest sectors of society that urgently need government assistance.