CAD to step up flower production trainings

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Agriculture Department (CAD) is set to intensify farmer’s training on flower production following an increase in the demands for cut flowers.

The CAD will also continue assisting farmers how to improve their yields on crops.

City Agriculturist Joey Baclayon said during his teleradyo program aired over the Sugboanon channel that they have noted an increase in the demands for cut flowers from Luzon and Mindanao.

“Dili ra sa Kalag-Kalag sila mamalit. Whole year round na. Naay mga buyers from Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, even from Dangwa in Manila ug from Baguio nga moari lang para mopalit og buwak,” said Baclayon.

According to Baclayon, the city has a total of 13,000 hectares of agricultural land located in 14 barangays and 101 hectares are used for flower production.

CAD has instituted several programs to help flower farmers improve their yields and their income as well. The city has also helped the flower farmers by organizing them into cooperatives and providing trainings on latest agricultural technologies, providing seedlings for new flower species and other technical assistance.

The city government also assists flower farmers by providing them with insurance to protect themselves from crop losses due to natural calamities.

Baclayon said Mayor Michael Rama is also planning to revive the “Flower Festival” to promote the city’s flower products.

Aside from cut flowers, the CAD also provides assistance to farmers to improve production of other high-yielding crops such as vegetables, fruits, rice, corn, cacao, coffee and mango. — /FPL (FREEMAN)