ASKI offers integrated value chain program

Rice and ginger farmers in Aurora (Central Luzon, Philippines) will no longer have to worry about the marketing of their harvests. This is because the Alalay Sa Kaunlaran Inc. (ASKI), a non-government organization based in Nueva Ecija (largest province in Central Luzon) through the ASKI Multi-purpose Cooperative (AMPC) will directly buy the farmers produce to be supplied to rice retailers in Nueva Ecija and nearby provinces and to a ginger exporter in Japan. This value chain program for agriculture of ASKI also provides financial assistance to farming activities and irrigation facilities as well as a link to AMPC which buys the farmer’s harvest. AMPC plans to expand its coverage into other areas to benefit more farmers .