CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga, — The newly completed P4.715 million worth-banana trading post funded under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) was opened here over the weekend.
The project is granted through the PRDP-Kalinga LGU tie-up with Daram-Cudal Multi-purpose Cooperative as the proponent.
Cesar Lagon of the Office of Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) said the new facility will boost Kalinga’s banana industry which is now a booming alternative source of income among farmers here.
Kalinga has 5,231 banana farmers with 1,921 hectares devoted to banana production.
Under its operation, farmers bring their banana produce to the trading post and the OPAG will assist them market these to private traders.
With the facility, banana farmers in the province find great relief in trading their produce especially this time when transport is limited due to the COVID pandemic, Lagon said.
For other support, the project has provided P555,000 grant to the proponent as start-up capital.
Aside from the trading post, the assistance package included vehicle, weighing scales and other equipment for the beneficiaries.
The province is identified as recipient of PRDP grants with several farm-market-road projects already completed. **JDP/LL-PIA CAR, Kalinga
