By Ellalyn de Vera Ruiz The Department of Agriculture (DA) will soon roll out a partnership project with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the inclusion of affordable manufactured goods in the marketing of major agricultural and fishery products. Agriculture Secretary William Dar (MANILA BULLETIN) The DA's Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Program and DTI's Diskwento Caravan will be like a "mini grocery store but with more affordable goods," Secretary William Dar said. "As in previous years, the DTI has been a strong ally and partner. Hence, we more than welcome the suggestion of Secretary (Ramon) Lopez that we include discounted manufactured goods in the marketing of agri-fishery products in all Kadiwa outlets and platforms," he said. Having similar objectives in enhancing the availability and accessibility of affordable basic commodities, the tie-up will benefit more families in urban areas affected by the enhanced community quarantine due to COVID-19, he added. The DTI said it will coordinate with the DA to join in the scheduled Kadiwa activities. Under DA's Plant Plant Plant Program or Ahon Lahat, Pagkain Sapat (ALPAS) Kontra COVID-19, the upscaled Kadiwa features three platforms that cater to the different needs of consumers, namely Kadiwa Retail, Kadiwa On Wheels, and Kadiwa Online. The proposed Kadiwa-Diskwento Caravan tie-up was raised during the first meeting of the Food and Water Security Task Group chaired by Dar on April 17. The group is composed of various government agencies, whose main objective is to ensure the continued supply of food and water during and after the crisis. Its priority areas include food production, food availability and accessibility, food affordability, water and energy for agriculture, household, and industrial uses, and emerging areas of concern such as food logistics.