The Maranao People Development Center (MARADECA) Inc. in partnership with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) has provided vegetable seeds to 334 farmers from Municipalities of Marantao, Madalum, Tugaya and Piagapo.
The provision of seeds aims to produce fresh vegetables and accessible to every family in the community and generate income at these time of Pandemic. Prior to the distribution of seeds the farmers underwent a series of orientations and workshops on Natural Farming Technology System (NFTS) where farmers learn the importance and health benefits of organic farming on environment and to humans as well.
On July 2020, a total of 334 farmers received various seeds such as Squash, Cabbage, Cucumber, Egg Plant, Tomato, String Beans, Spring Onions, Okra, Pechay, Curly Lettuce, Ampalaya and Bell Pepper. These seeds were identified by the farmers themselves as perfectly grown vegetables in their respective areas. The farmers were overwhelmed by the seeds assistance, especially at these times of pandemic wherein income is very limited.
Mr. Sowaib Datu Haron, one of the farmers in Brgy. Luay, Municipality of Marantao, Lanao del Sur; said that “These seeds are great help for me and for my family especially nowadays of pandemic where income is very scarce and expenses are doubled.”
Mr. Amiladen H.Imam, Project Staff of MARADECA, facilitated the distribution of seeds to the farmers and provided orientation to the farmers. “Aside from the seeds assistance to farmers, we will constantly visit and monitor their farms and also assist them to market their agricultural products,” said by H.Imam. He also added that this initiative aims to assist the Maranao farmers at this time of Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) wherein their source of income depends on farming.
At the end of November 2020, these farmers will expect to harvest their grown vegetables.