Bauko's Begnas Fest urge more support on agri-industry

The Begnas Festival of Bauko is celebrated every 2nd week of March. This year, the Begnas Festival shall be held from March 14-16, 2019 with its theme,” “Bauko: home of talents and opportunities” participated in by its 22 barangays and guests.

Bauko is the vegetable basket of Mountain Province located near the vegetable growing town of Buguias, Benguet that supplies 70% of veggies in other places of the country especially the national capital region. Bauko produces carrots, cabbage, sweet peas and other highland vegetables in big volumes. When the demand is high, vegetable prices drop low leading to the non-compensation of the cost of production and effort of the farmer. Some farmers would even throw their produce because it would incur more cost in bringing these to market. Agricultural productivity remains a big challenge with the persistence of organic farming to bring back the fertility of the soil and investment returns of the farmer.  

Processing equipment is equally much needed. Equipment to make carrots and potatoes into chips remains a continuing need. Much still remains to be done so as to make more vegetable chips and other by products of vegetables. Must be that the guest speakers of the event- the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) regional director Nancy Bantog and the Department of Agriculture Regional Director Dr Cameron Odsey- shall give attention to Bauko’s agri-industrial needs.

Begnas is a community celebration of thanksgiving or community ritual to call for prolific production of crops, health and longevity.

Congratulations Bauko!