E-commerce for agri product ‘new normal, positive’ effect of COVID-19 pandemic

MANILA, Philippines — E-commerce in agricultural marketing and trading has become the “new normal” and one “positive” effect of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Friday.

“This is now the one positive aspect that has been brought about by COVID-19 pandemic. Ito na yung isang new normal. E-commerce or e-Kadiwa in agriculture and fisheries will be a new mechanism with which marketing or trading of agricultural produce will happen,” DA Secretary William Dar said during the Laging Handa briefing.

The agency recently launched e-Kadiwa, a website allowing members of the private sector to sell their produce to ordinary consumers and local government units (LGUs).

Since its launch, Dar said about 54 merchants have signified interest to join the platform.

“There are 300 inquiries as to how to join and a set of 54 vendors are applying to be a part of this platform of e-Kadiwa,” Dar said.

Earlier, Dar said this project will give local producers a stable market amid the lockdowns imposed in several parts of the country.

This way, LGUs would also be encouraged to distribute healthier food, instead of canned goods which are the usual staple for relief packages.

“By buying fresh produce, hindi lang yung mas mataas ng income ang makukuha ng farmers, mas highly nutritious fruits and vegetables ang ipamahagi nila sa mga constituents para mas mataas po ang immune defense system,” Dar said.

(By buying fresh produce, the farmers will not only have higher income, but they will provide highly nutritious fruits and vegetables to their constituents which can improve their immune defense system.)

EDV