Manila, Philippines – Japan Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko on Monday officially inked a grant contract for the third phase of the 'Safe Vegetable Production Technology Dissemination and Vegetable Distribution System Improvement Project' in Luzon. The initiative, a collaboration with the Japanese non-government organization Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC), represents a significant investment in Luzon's agricultural development, valued at USD599,412 (approximately PHP33.54 million).
According to Philippines News Agency, the project, which began in March 2021, is in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, provincial governments, and local government units (LGUs) in Luzon. Its primary objective is to reduce production costs and increase farmers' income by introducing the technology of applying charcoal, wood vinegar, and compost produced from locally available materials in vegetable fields. Additionally, the project focuses on improving the vegetable distribution process. The Embassy envisions this technology benefiting various regions across the Philippines, signifying Japan's commitment to empowering Filipino farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.