TARLAC, DA EXPORTS 'A-OKRA'

Agriculture Secretary William Dar and young agripreneurs, Jeffrey Fernandez and Rap Pelayo of Jelfarm Fresh Produce Enterprise led the initial shipment of two tons of okra (lady finger) to Japan on September 29, 2020 at the PAIR-PAGS Center, Pasay City.

“This is an indication that we are upping the game in spite of COVID-19. Kagaya nitong okra export to Japan, this is a significant development. We recognize the efforts of Jelfarm for increasing export of okra to Japan. Japan is a key market for our produce and they are fond of eating okra as part of their diet,” Secretary Dar said.

“It’s a win-win arrangement,” added Dar, highlighting that the okra farmers are earning more than if they farmed rice.

About 300 farmers are involved in the production of the export-grade okra products harvested from different farms in 14 barangays of Tarlac.

Jeffrey Fernandez, whose parents established JelFarm 10 years ago as an alternative source of livelihood for farmers affected by the instability of rice farming in Tarlac, pointed out that 500 kilograms to up to one ton of okra per hectare can be harvested, earning farmers a net income of P80,000-P120,000.

“It’s a fast turnaround, high-yielding crop and a good source of income for the farmers,” said Fernandez.

“Ang okra kasi, you can start harvesting within 55–65 days upon seeding and you can harvest it every day for 75 days straight.”

One of the country’s leading okra exporters, Jelfarm will be shipping about five tons daily as the harvest season begins. When operations go full throttle, its shipping capacity may even average 13-15 tons everyday come peak season.

In compliance with the Good Agricultural Practices and sanitary, hygienic, and phytosanitary practices for safe, healthy, and fresh okra, the products are allowed to enter the markets of Japan particularly in the cities of Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, and Nagoya, where there the demand is very high.

Jelfarm will then be expanding up to a thousand hectares for the production of export-quality okra in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and farming cooperatives.

As part of the partnership, Secretary Dar committed to continue its support to the farmers and groups leading the exportation of okra and edamame (young soybeans that are also exported to Japan from Central Luzon) to enhance the country’s agricultural production and the livelihood of local farmers.

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