The engagement with commodity value chains is seen as a viable way forward for small-scale farmers to deliver significant income and livelihood benefits.

The Department of Agriculture’s Research and Development (R&D) offers agricultural commercialization as a move to introduce new products and technologies to farmers for a viable enterprise.

“Many technologies begin in research and development. Through experiment waste materials are being utilized and converted into a beneficial by-product. The inventions created could be possibly adopted commercially by our local farmers that can contribute to achieve and sustain a decent standard of living. That is the importance of Research and Development,” said Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo.

Encouraging farmers and agriculture stakeholders to venture to business is an innovation that can help augment the basic needs of every farmer.

In view of this, the DA-Caraga continues to promote its market-driven enterprises that can easily be adapted for commercialization through the Regional Technology Forum last July 18.

The activity became an avenue to foster stronger collaboration among farmers, local government units, and DA attached agencies. A total of 50 value-added products were showcased in the event.

Since 2013, the region has been conducting annually the said activity. This is in support to the National Technology Commercialization Program of the Bureau of Agricultural Research to ensure that technologies will be strategically placed and transferred to areas and communities that most need them. (Rhea C. Abao, DA-Caraga Information Section)