Surigao del sur: A group of farmers in Tago, Surigao del Sur, has successfully generated income by directly selling harvested soybean products, following support from the government.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Meme Agricultural Farmers Association (MAGFA) marketed 7,574 kilos of soybeans, earning PHP215,774 through a direct sale to a buyer from Davao City over the weekend. MAGFA is one of the soybean farming groups in the province that received assistance from the government via the Department of Agriculture in the Caraga Region (DA-13) this year.

Claire Ilagan, the soybean focal person of DA-13, mentioned that the agency supported the farmers by providing seeds and fertilizers to boost their soybean production. Additionally, MAGFA was equipped with a soybean sorter worth PHP500,000, a soybean thresher costing PHP600,000, and a solar dryer valued at PHP400,000.

In a separate statement, Lynn Pare±as, the chief of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, highlighted the significance of establishing market connections for the farmers' products. Pare±as noted that part of their assistance includes providing market linkages, allowing farmers to earn higher returns through direct marketing by offering quality produce. She further emphasized that DA-13 continues to promote soybean farming as a profitable business venture in the Caraga Region.