Agricultural Development

Sustainable agricultural development and growth and improvement of the socio-economic status of the farm families and fisherfolk is the goal of the agricultural sector. In particular, this sector strives to introduce improved and high yielding crops, livestock and fish species; empower, inculcate, and develop skills of clientele on entrepreneurship, through adoption of viable agro-based livelihood, and strengthen coordinative linkages with concerned agencies and institutions such as SCU's, LGU's, financing institutions national line agencies and non-government organizations. The provincial government has lined-up the following priority projects and activities:

A model farm on integrated farming was established and served as a demonstration for agriculture and fishery technologies. This model farm is within SAFDZ area.

 The SAFDZ represent the prime land of a municipality that are identified for the modernization of Agriculture and Fishing industry. It will represent viable farming and fishery production system that showcase successful crops, livestock and fish production activities, which can be use to demonstrate the efficiency of modernized commercial farming.

The provincial government is widely campaigning for orchard development especially mango, jackfruit, etc. wherein our technical personnel and farmers were to be trained with the proper technologies and post harvest management regarding the production of high quality fruits which could be globally competitive.

Anchored on the CALABA program of the Department of Agriculture, the provincial government is further intensify the production of high valued crops such as lettuce, red and green bell pepper, cauliflower, tomatoes, and brocolli and linked with ready market.

Coffee is one of the high value crops of the province and known for its best quality produced in the Philippines. Farmers could not meet the demand for Cavite coffee, this is due to low production attributed to the existence of old coffee trees. Yield of old trees tend to decline.

The provincial government through Office of the Provincial Agriculturist recommended and promote coffee rejuvenation. This type of technology can enhance the capability of old trees to produce more berries. In return, increase production per unit area followed by increase income of the coffee farmers and can compete globally.

Promotion of organic farming for vegetable and ornamental production by tying it up with the composting program of the provincial government

The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist under the provincial government is promoting organic farming in the province for vegetable, fruit trees and ornamentals production. It restores the natural fecundity of the soil, moderate the pernicious effects of chemical inputs of our environment, lower production inputs/cost thereby assuming and sustaining the long term productivity of the soil.

Intensified poultry and livestock production giving more emphasis on dairy production and native chicken production

The provincial government through the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, implemented two (2) projects namely: Dairy carabao/Dairy cattle production and Production of Kabir Chicken.

For the carabao/dairy cattle production project, selected forty (40) livestock farmers within the Cavite Impact Zone Area for cattle and Carabao Development Program (Tanza, Naic, Maragondon, General Trias, Imus and Dasmariñas)  participated in the program. Within a period of five (5) years, more or less than 120 farmers engaged in dairy carabao and cattle production that  contribute to meet the milk requirements of the population.

Kabir chicken, which originates from Middle East gained popularity in the Philippines because of their adaptability to local conditions. A breeding station for this chicken will be established in the Cavite Animal Breeding Station in Brgy. Osorio, Trece Martires City. An approximate total of 13,230 farm families will benefits from the program over a nine-year period. Kabir chicken will be marketed as poultry meat.

Marine life aquaculture development that involves culture of talaba, tahong, seaweeds and genetically improved farm (GIF) Tilapia

Marine life and aquaculture development that involves culture of talaba and tahong is actively done by fish farmers and fisherfolk in Bacoor and Cavite City. Oyster and mussels are suitable in that area. Majority of the fishfarmers/fishpond operations have their own initiative to establish income generating projects but they lack capital to purchase them.

New farm technology demonstration and dissemination for sea cage and sea ranching, hydroponics, fish in tanks, fruit processing (dried mangoes)

The culture of marine sea cage and sea ranching has lower investment cost compared to fishpond culture, however, it requires high operating capital to support total dependence on artificial feeds. The potential sites can be a cove, bay, islet or estuaries.

The province of Cavite has a smaller area for freshwater fishponds. Most areas are upland. For these reasons, the provincial government through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist intends to help farmers to raise fish in tanks. Culture of Fish is tanks are suitable in areas with limited space.

Construction/ Improvement of validated farm to market roads and provision of support services that will further improve the agricultural potential of the protected areas

Infrastructure Projects and provision of support services to farmers are very vital in undertaking agricultural productivity. The provincial government will tap different line agencies to ensure the implementation of these infrastructure projects.

Conduct of fora/Agri-fair consultation meetings to keep the farmers and fisherfolk abreast of the most recent developments and technologies

The province conducts Agri-fair year to showcase the agri-fishery products and technologies in the province and also to trigger farmer's sense of awareness on the many opportunities in value-adding activities via the conduct of seminar and training. Cavite will be the host province on the Regional Agri-fair, which in the Kasaganaan 2001 Agri-fair on November 26-30, 2001 to be held at Trece Martires City.

Strengthening of linkages/collaboration with financing institutions such as Land Bank in pursuing viable livelihood projects

In order to establish viable economic enterprises in the farming sector, farmers must be equipped with both technical and financial capabilities. The provincial government will strengthened linkage with financing institutions to assist farmers in assessing financial opportunities that these financing institutions may provide.