by Joan D. Dapidap, RPCO1 InfoACE

The Department of Agriculture (DA) – Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) through the Regional Project Coordination Office I (RPCO I), celebrated a significant milestone with the inauguration and turn over of the facility for the Peanut Production, Consolidation, and Marketing Enterprise to the Catuday Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Barangay Catuday, Bolinao, Pangasinan on October 30, 2024.

The project, funded with a total investment of PHP 14,991,384.36 under the PRDP, is set to transform the local peanut industry by empowering cooperative members with enhanced production and marketing capabilities.

The project provides the Catuday Agrarian Reform Cooperative with vital resources and facilities to support peanut farmers in producing and marketing high-quality peanut planting materials and food-grade shelled peanuts. Essential services made available through this initiative include a 4-wheel tractor, mechanical peanut planters, a peanut pod stripper, a peanut sheller, organic fertilizers, and trike rentals for transport.

The cooperative expects to achieve a 12% increase in average enterprise income and production volume annually through this enterprise. This growth is anticipated as a result of improved planting materials, expanded production areas, and increased yields. By supplying quality seed planting materials, the project also aims to enable more peanut farmers to access resources that enhance both productivity and profitability.

Gracing the ceremony were former DA Secretary now Chairman of the Federation of Free Farmers Cooperatives Mr. Leonardo Q. Montemayor, DA-RPCO I-Support Component Head and PRDP Action officer Mr. Deo Rivera representing DA-RFO I Regional Executive Director Dr. John B. Pascual, and Pangasinan Board Member Ms. Apple DG. Bacay representing Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III.