TARLAC CITY (PIA) — A total of 20 members of Aduas Multipurpose Cooperative (MPC) in Paniqui, Tarlac benefited from the Sweet Potato Processing Skills Training of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Under the agency’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, the farmer-beneficiaries were assisted in processing and developing sweet potato-based products.
DTI Tarlac Trade and Industry Specialist Paolo Manese explained that this initiative aims to address concerns on oversupply of sweet potato that affects the income of the local farmers.
“Aduas MPC mainly produces sweet potatoes. This training could help them minimize wastage due to overproduction, and increase the value of their crops,” he said.
DTI Tarlac likewise offered its business development services to improve the productivity of the participants through capacity building, technical support, access to market and finance.
Products developed during the training session were sweet potato jam, chips, candy and hopia.
Meanwhile, Aduas MPC Chairperson Melly Castillo expressed his joy and gratitude for the skills training which could open more business opportunities, and ensure sustainable livelihood for the farmers.
“My dream is for our cooperative to have a successful sweet potato processing business. We are grateful that DTI took part in making this dream of ours possible,” Castillo stressed.
DTI provides seminars to various sectors, including farmers, to ensure the improvement, growth and sustainability of their businesses. (CLJD/TJBM PIA-Region 3, Tarlac)
