DA, private company launch ‘instant’ vegetable meals
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) in partnership with a private company has launched ‘instant’ vegetable meals on October 13.
According to the DA and agriculture company FarmFresh Products Inc., the meal which is good for five people can be prepared by putting it in hot water for a few minutes. To date, there are two viands available, pinakbet and chopsuey.
The meal is part of the Adopt-A-Town, Adopt-A-Farmer program of the DA, which will enjoin farmers to supply fruits and vegetables for food concessionaires and other buyers.
According to DA senior undersecretary Domingo Panganiban, this move will help address the oversupply of food in some regions.
“Moreover, the launching of these products is one way of addressing the oversupply of vegetables. This nutritious food package aims to be available all year round, readily accessible, and priced at an affordable rate,” Panganiban said.
The DA also said that the meal will be used in the feeding programs of some agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Education, as well as food for persons deprived of liberty and in disaster relief operations.