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Friday, March 29, 2024

DA opens seed lab, farm in Clark

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Capas, Tarlac—A seed laboratory and a seed production farm will be established at the seven-hectare lot within the New Clark City by the Department of Agriculture as part of the government effort to introduce innovative agricultural technology to farmers in Central Luzon.

The Agro-industrial Business Corridors (ABC) project is a joint undertaking between DA and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) in coming up with an inclusive agri-business hub in this part of the region.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the project will attract foreign investment in the agriculture sector.

He said ABC is also part of DA vision to upgrade equipment and game plan to contribute to the country’s economic growth as it seeks to introduce innovative agricultural technology to farmers and provide them access to quality seeds.

“We want to work out what are the component strategies that will make it possible for this country, really being an agriculture country, to unleash its potential as a major pillar of the economy,” Dar said.

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The first phase of the project will involve putting up the first National Seed Technology Park where research and development will be made at the seed laboratory and mini-seed production farms.

“The laboratory will allow the development of all types of seed varieties to ensure access to high-yielding seeds,” said Dar.

For his part, BCDA President and CEO Vince Dizon recognized the project’s important role in agricultural sustainability of the country.

“The Agro-Industrial Business Corridor is critical not just for Clark but for the entire country because agricultural sustainability is really the cornerstone, not just of this government, but of the entire country and of governments to come,” Dizon noted.

Other components of the first phase of development include incubation hubs, a Project Management Office, and other institutional developments of the DA.

NCC agribusiness hub is also seen to complement the planned Clark Fresh Food Market in the Clark Civil Aviation Complex, which aims to integrate post-harvest facilities and target niche markets for organic produce, halal-certified goods, and premium quality food products.

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