The Cebu City Agriculture Department (CAD) is ramping up efforts to promote improvised backyard farming among residents, aiming to enhance food security at the household level, according to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Arlie Gesta, assistant head of CAD, announced that the city government is supporting this initiative by providing seedlings and training to those interested in starting their own backyard farms using customized agricultural plots.
Gesta emphasized that the lack of ample land should not deter families from engaging in farming activities. He suggested that residents could utilize containers as makeshift nurseries for vegetable production.
“We can improvise our backyard farm by using what available containers for our vegetable production,” Gesta stated, highlighting the adaptability of the program to urban settings.
Additionally, CAD’s agricultural technologist, Warwin Anadia, mentioned that up to 20 seedlings would be distributed to individuals keen on exploring backyard farming.
He noted that while there’s a cap at 20 seedlings, those with a greater interest could request more by submitting a letter to the CAD office. Anadia made it clear that the program is designed to benefit city residents primarily.
The initiative follows the success of the People’s Farm at the South Road Properties, launched in June of the previous year. This project saw volunteers from various barangays in the city successfully harvest a range of agricultural produce, demonstrating the potential of community and backyard farming in urban areas.
The CAD’s ongoing efforts to promote backyard farming underscore the city’s commitment to fostering sustainability and self-sufficiency among its residents. – CebuLifestyleChannel.ph