Farmers cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in Nueva Ecija now have another market for their produce through the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita outlet, which opened at the Milka Krem Ground of the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC).

Agriculture Secretary William Dar, Assistant Secretary-Designate for Regulations Liza Battad, Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Noel Reyes, and PCC OIC-Director Ronnie Domingo led the opening of the new Kadiwa market in the Science City of Muñoz on September 3, 2021.

The Kadiwa at PCC will be open every Friday with ten FCA kiosks offering fresh and affordable vegetables, dairy and poultry products, fish, and meat.

PCC Carabao-based Enterprise Development Section OIC Joel Cabading said the Kadiwa is a market for fresh produce at daytime and converts into a food park at night. He added that they target to turn the 6,000-square meter area into an agri-tourism site that will also attract more consumers.

“Kami po ay nagpapasalamat kasi nakarating dito si Secretary Dar at nakita niya ang kalagayan naming mga magsasaka rito sa Nueva Ecija na may mga ganitong produkto,” Bongabon Dairy Cooperative President Mario dela Cruz said.

Also, a member of the Pesa Onion and Vegetable Farmers Association, he added that the partnership of organized groups like their FCAs with the government shows that there are still many opportunities and possibilities amid the Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo by Alan Jay Jacalan, DA-AFID)