Bangsamoro Ministry Enhances Farm Productivity with Fruit Seedling Distribution in Tugunan
The Bangsamoro Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) has taken a significant step to bolster agricultural development in the region by distributing high-value fruit seedlings to a cooperative in Tugunan, Special Geographic Area. This initiative, carried out on Thursday, January 29, underscores the ministry's ongoing commitment to providing robust livelihood support and boosting farm productivity for local communities.
Comprehensive Support for Cooperative Growth
In a targeted intervention aimed at scaling up production and enhancing market competitiveness, MAFAR turned over 200 durian seedlings and 200 longkong lanzones seedlings to the Assaba'bo Bangsamoro Agri-Product Marketing Cooperative (ABAPMC). This distribution is part of a broader strategy to help local farmers thrive in the regional agricultural market by introducing high-value crops that can increase income and sustainability.
Prior to the handover, MAFAR conducted a thorough field validation and technical assessment to ensure that the support aligns precisely with the cooperative's specific needs and environmental conditions. This meticulous approach highlights the ministry's dedication to delivering effective and tailored agricultural assistance.
Long-Term Investment in Community Development
Mohamad Bagilan, Chairperson of ABAPMC, praised the initiative as a long-term investment in the cooperative's growth, particularly benefiting small-scale farmers and women members. "This helps strengthen the cooperative as a center for collective development for our small farmers and women members, especially since MAFAR focuses on equal rights and opportunities for women," Bagilan stated in an official release.
He further emphasized that such programs provide hope, courage, and inspiration for the community to advance in farming and overall development. "We hope these projects continue toward a more inclusive and prosperous agricultural sector in the Bangsamoro," he added, expressing gratitude for the regional government's active presence in grassroots communities.
Future Plans for Diversified Livelihoods
Looking ahead, MAFAR has committed to expanding its support by providing fingerlings and specialized training in fishpond management. This additional assistance aims to further diversify the cooperative's income streams, promoting a more resilient and sustainable agricultural economy in the Special Geographic Area.
The initiative reflects the broader efforts of the Bangsamoro Government under the leadership of Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua to foster inclusive growth and empower local farmers through strategic interventions and community-focused policies.
