Butuan City — In a bid to enhance the cassava industry in Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) I-PLAN components from six regions convened from October 8-11, 2024, for the Cassava Stakeholders Consultation and Technical Writeshop. The event was led by the DA-PRDP Caraga I-PLAN Component and aimed to update the Value Chain Analysis (VCA) for cassava, a priority commodity across Mindanao.
The consultation brought together key stakeholders from various segments of the cassava industry, including DA-PRDP regional planners, cassava coordinators, and representatives from the private sector. The collaborative discussions focused on consolidating industry data, strengthening partnerships, and identifying investment opportunities that could bolster the cassava value chain.
“We aim to strengthen collaborations and convergence among players across the value chain,” said I-PLAN 13 Component Head Roberto Hipolao, Jr. “We have a positive market outlook for the industry, and this consultation is one way we can identify key investments for cassava.”
Cassava remains a vital commodity in Mindanao due to its versatility in both food production and industrial applications. The VCA is a critical tool used by DA-PRDP to assess potential interventions that can create value and improve the competitiveness of the commodity at various stages, from production to processing and marketing.
Following the consultation, participants engaged in a technical writeshop to develop a region-wide VCA for cassava. The draft analysis will undergo a Joint Technical Review before being finalized for approval and implementation.
This initiative highlights DA-PRDP’s commitment to fostering growth in Mindanao’s agricultural sectors by aligning resources, policies, and investments with the needs of local industries and stakeholders. Through the updated VCA, the cassava industry is expected to benefit from improved market access, increased production efficiency, and stronger value chain networks across the region.
