Butuan agriboost raises vegetable output by 88%

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The AgriBOOST Project, the city government of Butuan’s food security program, reported an 88% increase in local vegetable production between 2023 and 2024.

Data from the City Agriculture and Veterinary Department (CAVD) shows production rose from 207 metric tons in 2023 to 389 metric tons in 2024. According to CAVD head engineer Pierre Anthony D. Joven, the project reduced dependence on vegetable imports from other cities, strengthened local supply, and improved farmer incomes. Weekly vegetable processing volumes increased by 52%, from 5,029 kilograms in 2023 to 7,648 kilograms in 2024.

Joven attributed the production growth to local government support through farm inputs, greenhouse technology, and training. This included soil and climate management, seedling production, nursery care, cultural practices, insect pest management, and plant disease control. As of June 2025, 185 farmers had received assistance under the program.

To improve market access, the AgriBOOST Project has established two AgriMart outlets in high-traffic areas of the city. These serve as direct farm-to-market channels, offering residents fresh produce while ensuring stable pricing for farmers. The program is also expanding into partnerships with restaurants and hotels to secure regular supply agreements, aiming to provide consistent income for participants.

“CAVD is hoping that with the continued farmer support, this increase will be sustained for the following years,” Joven said. He noted that participating farmers reported higher incomes, some purchasing home appliances, farm equipment, or expanding their farms.

Farmer couple Alberto and Venus Laugo from Barangay Ampayon stated, “Our income has doubled and our production has increased since joining the project. We were able to buy construction materials to build a house at the farm.”

The AgriBOOST Project continues to target higher production volumes, broader market access, and improved farmer participation to support local vegetable supply in Butuan.

Source: PIA

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