AKLAN — Four freezer vans were officially turned over to farmers in Aklan during the groundbreaking ceremony of the “Value Chain Enhancement of High-Value Crops Through Smart Agriculture” (VEHCSA) Project at the Aklan Agricultural and Aquatic Development and Fisheries Training Center (AAADFTC) in Barangay Nalook, Kalibo, on January 23 .
The turnover marked a key milestone in efforts to further strengthen the province’s agricultural sector through improved post-harvest facilities and modern farming interventions.
The VEHCSA Project aims to establish modern smart greenhouses and implement sustainable production models for high-value crops, with the goal of increasing farm productivity, lowering food costs, and ensuring food security in the region.
The project is a collaboration between the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and local officials of the Province of Aklan.
According to project proponents, the use of smart agriculture technologies is expected to modernize farming practices by improving crop yields, reducing production losses, and enhancing the overall efficiency of agricultural operations.
The VEHCSA Project has a total funding allocation of USD 8 million. It began in 2022 and is set to run until 2027.
Aside from Aklan, similar projects will also be implemented in Bago City, Negros Occidental; Patnongon, Antique; and Tigbauan, Iloilo./PN
