#Agriculture #AgriBoost #ButuanCity #VegetableFarming #AgriculturalInnovatio # FarmerEmpowerment #SustainableAgriculture #MarketAccess #AgriculturalTransformation #FoodSecurity
In recent years, Butuan City faced a significant challenge in its agriculture sector. Farmer demotivation and low local vegetable production plagued the region, leading to heavy reliance on imports from neighboring areas like Northern Mindanao and Davao. However, the tide turned with the introduction of AgriBoost, a pioneering initiative that breathed new life into the city’s farming landscape.
Led by Pierre Anthony D. Joven, head of the Butuan City Agriculture and Veterinary Department (CAVD), AgriBoost emerged as a beacon of hope for local farmers. By incentivizing and empowering farmers to embrace vegetable farming, the program ushered in a new era of agricultural prosperity.
One of the primary hurdles faced by farmers was the dominance of traders in the agri-ecosystem, resulting in low local vegetable production despite the city’s favorable farming conditions. However, AgriBoost addressed this imbalance by transforming farmers into contract growers and instilling a demand-driven approach to farming.
Through its comprehensive components—AgriBloom, AgriMart, AgriHub, and AgriBoost Comms—AgriBoost equipped farmers with the knowledge, resources, and market access needed to thrive in the vegetable industry. From capacity training programs to digital platforms facilitating seamless transactions between farmers and market channels, the program left no stone unturned in its quest for agricultural excellence.
The results speak for themselves. Since its inception, AgriBoost has witnessed a remarkable surge in local vegetable production, with farmers now reaping the rewards of their hard work. From a mere 18 percent self-sufficiency in local vegetable production, Butuan City has made significant strides, with weekly deliveries soaring to 9,400 kilos by December 2023.
The impact on farmers’ livelihoods has been profound, with weekly incomes skyrocketing from as low as P12,000 to a minimum of P25,000. Such success stories are not isolated incidents but rather a testament to the transformative power of AgriBoost in uplifting agricultural communities.
Looking ahead, Butuan City remains committed to sustaining this momentum and expanding the program’s reach. With plans to include highland vegetables like carrots, cabbage, peas, and onions, the city is poised to further solidify its position as a trailblazer in agricultural innovation.
AgriBoost has not only revitalized Butuan City’s agriculture sector but also set a shining example for cities worldwide. Through visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, AgriBoost has reshaped the agricultural landscape, empowering farmers and fostering sustainable food security for generations to come.
