DA setting up stalls to sell farm produce

March 24, 2020

The Department of Agriculture (DA) will set up stalls called “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” to provide people  access to affordable products amid the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila.

Agriculture  Secretary William Dar has instructed the heads of the DA agencies in the National Capital Region (NCR) to identify available spaces in their compound to set up their respective “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” stalls.

The department said "Kadiwa, which stands for “Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa para sa Masanang Ani at Mataas na Kita”, is a marketing strategy of the DA which connects the food producers to the consumers, thereby lessening the cost of the products."

"It links the local government units (LGU) in urban centers to farmer-producers in the different parts of the country to ease the delivery and distribution of food supply," it added.

Assistant Agriculture Secretary Kristine Evangelista said the agency will be prioritizing the rollout of Kadiwa stores in Metro Manila and other densely populated areas in he, which depend on outside sources for food and nutritional requirements.

“We are finalizing the details of our arrangement with LGUs in NCR, especially those with earlier commitments such as Quezon City, Pasig, Manila, Pasay, and Taguig,” Evangelista said.

She said the "DA is closely coordinating with its regional field offices through their Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) for possible suppliers that could address the requirements of the LGUs". 

"It has also identified possible “Bagsakan” drop-off point/s where suppliers can directly deliver the required commodities of the LGUs for their relief operations," she said.

"At least 66 Kadiwa sites will be opened nationwide, Evangelista added.

Dar hopes that through Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita initiative, the DA will provide stable and cheap food supply for households affected by the ongoing enhanced community quarantine.

“We want to provide the public as many options possible to access affordable and nutritious food. The DA offices shall be ready to accommodate buyers but they should, of course, follow the quarantine guidelines and physical. distancing procedures,” he said.

“This only proves our farmers’ commitment in ensuring that there will be stable, affordable and nutritious food supply for the people in this time of crisis,” he added.

Dar said "amid the enhanced community quarantine, residents of Cainta, Rizal enjoyed the benefits of the Kadiwa food market with at least four major farmers’ groups participating and bringing fresh fruits, vegetables and other agriculture products closer to households at very reasonable prices."

“It’s a win-win for both consumers and producers with the Kadiwa event in Cainta for the farmers’ groups and residents enjoying affordable and nutritious agri-fishery products amid this health crisis,” he added. Robina Asido/DMS