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The Bureau of Plant Industry – Crop Research and Production Support Division (BPI-CRPSD) recently visited Butuan City at the request of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) of CARAGA for an assessment and site validation meeting. The discussion focused on the proposed development of a 200-hectare Regional Agricultural Hub, envisioned as a model for sustainable and integrated agriculture. The hub will feature key components such as a vermicomposting facility, nurseries for fruit trees and vegetable seedlings, PHilMech-supported coconut processing centers, and a mother tree garden to serve as a living gene bank for high-quality planting materials.

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As part of the project’s implementation, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) agreed to provide coconut seedlings to support coconut-based agro-enterprises. Meanwhile, the Local Government Unit (LGU) took on the responsibility of mobilizing farmer cooperatives and community members for land preparation and maintenance. The hub will also integrate Open-Pollinated Variety (OPV) seed production, with a focus on strengthening community-based seed systems, conserving indigenous varieties, and reducing reliance on commercial hybrid seeds.

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In a separate initiative, BPI-CRPSD also met with the College of Agriculture and Agri-Industries of Caraga State University, led by Dean Elizabeth P. Parac, to introduce the same OPV seed system intervention. This will involve the establishment of OPV production sites, community seed banks, farmer training programs, and the creation of a regional seed exchange network.

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This strategic effort aligns with the DA Secretary’s goal to strengthen food systems resilience, community-based agriculture, and agro-industrial development in the Philippines.

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Moreover, the BPI-CRPSD’s active participation in CARAGA, including programs like the OPV seed system interventions and the agricultural center, directly reflects its primary goal of strengthening the plant industry. Through the strategic allocation of resources, the promotion of sustainable practices, and the enhancement of local agricultural expertise, these initiatives have the potential to significantly improve regional food security and make a large contribution to the Philippines’ overall agricultural development.

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(041625-29)