Local farmers were told to coordinate with agriculture regional offices prior to harvesting their produce to prevent oversupply of vegetables that usually end up being thrown away.
Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar made the call when sought for statement Tuesday, Sept. 28, on the reported oversupply of tomatoes in the Cordillera Region.
"Ang regional field office po ay kinokontak yung mga ganun na sitwasyon kasi handa silang tumulong (Our regional field office gets in touch with farmers under those kinds of situations because they are ready to help)," Dar said in a virtual briefing.
The secretary explained that farmers are actually aware that there are programs intended to link them to markets in order to prevent surplus vegetables from being put to waste if left unsold.
"Alam naman nila na may programa ang kagawaran ng pagsasaka na tumutulong na naghahanap ng merkado (They know that the Agriculture department has programs to help them find markets for their goods)," Dar said.
"Paulit ulit na sinasabi natin na makipag-ugnayan bago mo i-harvest para mas assured sila kung saan mo dadalhin yung produkto (We keep on telling them to coordinate with us first before harvesting so they will be assured of where to bring their products)," Dar added.