A year after planting bananas, farmer beneficiaries under the Department of Agriculture’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Phase 2 in Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte have achieved a gross income of Php 60,786.00 from their first harvest. This milestone underscores the success of the Banana Production Project and highlights the transformative potential of agricultural interventions.
Arlene R. Austria, Secretary of the HALAFA (Higala sa Agrikultura Farmers Association), expressed her gratitude for the program’s support, which significantly boosted her income and inspired her to continue her farming efforts. “As a farmer who has started earning income, I am happy to see the results of my hard work. The bananas we planted not only provide food for my family but also offer an additional source of livelihood. I will persist in my efforts to achieve our goal of success. Thank you to DA-SAAD,” Austria shared.
The Banana Production Project is a testament to the government’s commitment to empowering farmers in rural areas. Through financial and technical assistance, the program aims to enhance the productivity and profitability of smallholder farmers. The project’s initial success is a promising indicator of the long-term benefits it can deliver to the agricultural sector.
In addition to the financial gains, the program has cultivated a sense of hope and motivation among beneficiaries. For farmers like Austria, the support has translated into more than just income—it has become a source of inspiration and determination to pursue a better future through sustainable farming practices.
The DA-SAAD program’s continued implementation of projects like this reflects its dedication to fostering agricultural development, alleviating poverty, and improving the quality of life for farming communities across the country. With the program’s ongoing support, more farmers stand to benefit, paving the way for a thriving and resilient agricultural sector.
