NINE additional merchants joined the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) online selling platform, which the department touted as a milestone in modernizing the supply chain for food.
On July 9, Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Mama Sitas, Tuko Fresh Produce, Farmers Juan Ranch, Moolk Creamy Corp., Moneth Agri Store, Chef’s Corner Meat Outlet, Chicqheen Mart, Rico’s Lechon, and Lively Grain, making them partners in the department’s online retailing initiative, which is known as e-Kadiwa.
“Digital technology has become a very important tool to enhance agriculture. With all the lockdowns, we need to empower and enhance these mechanisms for the future,” Mr. Dar said.
Mr. Dar said the DA will ensure that all products sold on the platform meet food-quality standards, and added that the market is working to mitigate infection risk.
E-Kadiwa allows for direct ordering of fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish for home delivery.
Mr. Dar said the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has forced the agriculture sector to modernize and digitalize in order to adapt to the new environment. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave
